40 TREASURED YEARS AT NUMBER 39

For sellers Digby and Libby Knapp, it's the end of a colourful era

They say after a few years pets start to resemble their owners, so too it seems do homes take on the personalities of those who inhabit them.

Situated at the base of pine tree lined Salvado Street in beachside Cottesloe, this original grand old home on a sprawling 889 sqm corner block, is one of a dwindling number of this premier suburb's classic first world war residences to remain intact.

Very much at home among its grand proportions and soaring ceilings, this home has played centre stage to the memories and movements of the Knapps and their children since they first took up residence a year after this married in 1972.

Former radiologist Libby laughs as she recalls discovering her life long home on a break from her work at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital one day.

Excitedly telling her husband that she had found the home they had to have, she said it was quite a contrast from their former bedsit in South Perth, which was largely unfurnished apart from a collection of books and a double bed.

"I think the lady that lived here before us couldn't believe we had bought this big house and we had absolutely no furniture," recalls Libby fondly.

"She left us a double bed and a book shelf when she left, I think she felt quite sorry for us having nothing to bring with us when we moved in."

"I just fell in love with it the moment I saw it and rang Digby at work and said 'we have to have it'!"

Known for his sense of humour and trademark grin, her well known optometrist husband, Digby, says he wouldn't dream of standing in the way when his wife had a plan and so began a journey that will end when their home goes under the hammer on Saturday May 24th.

The couple remembers fondly the Cottesloe that was when they first moved in, when it was a quiet beachside enclave of holidays homes for local farming families chasing a coastal summer getaway.

Home to children Heidi and Franz through childhood to adulthood, theirs was the sort of home that welcomed friends and family members regardless of the time of day or who was home.

"We've celebrated so many milestones here and entertained generations of family and friends, many of whom are no longer with us, year in and year out," says Libby.

So much so there's been an endless procession of friends and neighbours lining up to say goodbye to a sale that will mark the end of an era for the Knapp family.

Although Digby says he would have happily died in the family home, a need to downsize and divest themselves of at least some of their treasured belongings prompted the decision to put their home on the market and make their next move.

Despite the sadness of family and friends, the couple says they hope another young family feel as at home as they have at number 39.

39 Salvado Street, Cottesloe goes under the hammer onsite Saturday 24 May 2014. We hope to see you there!

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