Place your bets on tote board birthplace

BUYERS have the chance to snap up a piece of history as 247 High Street in Fremantle, the real birthplace of the first automatic tote board, goes under the hammer.

Lived in by English-born Australian inventor and entrepreneur Sir George Julius in the early 1900’s, the four-bedroom home was the setting for the businessman’s creation, that would ultimately be used in horse and greyhound racing around the world.

“The house was originally built by businessman and shipping agent James Lilly in the 1890’s and has a great history,” said Peter Vickridge, who was born and bred in the home in 1948.

“My parents bought the home after the Second World War from my grandparents and I have such great memories of playing in all of the nooks and crannies… it has changed a lot since the old days.

“Sir George had the prestigious role of being the Assistant Engineer at the Western Australian Government Railways, becoming Chief Draftsman and then Engineer in charge of tests, all under the supervision of Charles Yelverton O’Connor.

“He was the State Engineer who was also in charge of the design and building of both Fremantle Harbour and the Perth–Kalgoorlie water pipeline.

“In 1898, Sir George married Eva O’Connor, the daughter of Charles, and they rented the home at what was then 349, but later became, 247 High Street.

“In my time there, everyone knew the home simply as ‘247.’”

“My mother, Betty Miller, at one time met Lady Julius who fondly relayed how she had stood in the garage holding a hurricane lamp while her husband George tinkered with leather belts and wooden pulleys while he worked on a vote counting machine that was later (in New Zealand) to become the totalisator.

“There’s a limestone cliff around two sides of the house that wasn’t actually meant to be there because my father refused to have it knocked down.

“When they were building Ivanhoe Lodge next door, they wanted to knock down the cliff, but that would have destroyed the privacy of the home.

“After a long battle with the developers, my father actually bribed the bulldozer driver on the day, and the limestone cliff remains in place now.

“I really appreciate what the current owners have done with the house. It’s fair to say my father didn’t have much sense of style, so there were a few styles throughout the property, according to the decade in which the decorating was done, but it now looks the best it has for many years.”

Shirley Hayes, who has been the proud owner of the property since 2002, said the history of the home and its ocean views were the things she loved the most.

“I love everything about the house, but glorious views over to the Fremantle Harbour are to die for, just this morning I was watching the sun glisten,” Ms Hayes said.

“You can see the ocean from the front and side of the house and the sunsets and city lights at night give the place a wonderful ambience.

“Personally, I love the bathroom floor and the limestone wall at the back, it gives you that real sense of history.

“We have renovated the original kitchen and put on a new roof, and with it being just a short walk to Fremantle and having the beautiful park next door, it’s a wonderful place to live.”

Ray White Applecross Sales Executive Noel Rogers said the property was one for buyers to savor and one that offered a rich history.

“We use the word ‘unique’ a lot in this business, but this really is a genuine opportunity to buy a home where a unique and world-famous product was invented,” Mr Rogers said.

“Believe it or not, the history doesn't stop with the tote board invention. Sir George's granddaughter, Wendy Whitely, went on to marry famous Australian artist Brett Whitely. The stories are endless.

“The actual home has retained its authentic and distinctive charm, with a few upgrades from the current owners along the way.

“Explosive ocean views are just the beginning, as a romantic hall marches through the centre with parlors, dining and bedrooms to either side.

“It also has the pristine original kitchen with marble benchtops, and comes with full ceiling height windows overlooking the rear gardens.

“Gambler or not, this one is worth betting on.”

The auction will take place on-site on Saturday 17 August at 11.00am.