A remarkable warehouse-style conversion at 4/8 Johnston Street, Peppermint Grove, is shooting high when it comes to luxury apartment living, offering an unprecedented combination of architectural drama and lifestyle flexibility that's in a league of its own.
Originally constructed as six squash courts in a building that was converted to apartments in 1992 in Perth’s leafy western suburbs, this three-bedroom residence now showcases soaring five-metre domed ceilings, dramatic four-metre arched windows, and an expansive central living space that challenges conventional apartment design.
The boutique complex comprises six apartments, with three of these incorporating the original six squash courts.
For owner Chris Thackray this unique property became much more than just a home.
"This space was the reason I bought the place," Mr Thackray said. "I had put a court in the front yard of my previous house because my son and I love playing basketball. When I saw this apartment, I knew it was perfect. We have had the best five years here together."
The property's most distinctive feature is the vast central space where the Thackrays configured basketball court markings, creating a private indoor recreation area virtually unheard of in apartment living.
"We've played tonnes of basketball here. It's a weirdly cool room, this big open space with the loft above. We made the most of it for table tennis too. You can stand back on the wall and really hit it. My son and I played a lot of indoor sports in there."
As a single dad, Mr Thackray found the unique layout created something special during his son's teenage years.
"I had my son at home and I was a single dad, it was our boys' zone," he said. "We even had two TVs set up so we could watch two games of sport at the same time. My son did all of high school living in that apartment. For me, working in a high stress environment, this house was my safe place."
The conversion retained the building's industrial character, originally home to artists after the squash courts closed, while incorporating luxury finishes throughout. A unique loft space, formerly the squash court viewing deck, provides additional versatility, while both an external balcony and private courtyard offer multiple outdoor entertaining options.
The residence features three generous bedrooms, two renovated bathrooms including a primary ensuite, a dedicated laundry, and two secure car bays. Safety windows throughout ensure peace of mind, while solar-powered Velux skylights enhance natural light and air flow.
The property sits within walking distance of prestigious schools including Cottesloe Primary, St Hilda's, Iona, and PLC, with an array of cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. Cottesloe Beach is just 1.7km away, while Mosman Park Train Station is 500m from the front door.
Now that Mr Thackray and his son have since moved to a house in Floreat, this extraordinary residence is available for a new family to create their own memories in this unique space.
From the top performing office in Western Australia, Ray White Dalkeith | Claremont agents Emma Milner and Laura Johns say there’s nothing else quite like it.
“That big open room, the loft space above, it's just completely different from any other apartment you'll see in Perth,” Ms Johns said.
“Something you don't often see in the western suburbs.”
The property represents a rare offering in Perth's tightly held western suburbs market, combining architectural character, flexibility and individuality in a truly distinctive package.
