House That! Tattarang boss John Hartman gets $4.3 million for townhouse in North Fremantle’s Weeties factory

A townhouse in the former Weeties factory in North Fremantle — refurbished by Tattarang and Minderoo boss John Hartman — has sold for $4.3 million. Hartman — who is Andrew Forrest’s right-hand man — set himself a tough assignment when he decided to convert three apartments into a family home within one of Perth’s most beloved institutions. The factory is regarded as a local icon, renowned for the warm and comforting smell of roasting Uncle Toby’s Weeties that wafted from the premises before it closed its doors in 1988. But even the most nostalgic of fans would likely approve of a stunning internal transformation, which has created a modern industrial masterpiece. The refurbishment was by all accounts a labour of love for Hartman and wife Alice, with the help of Space Agency architecture firm, and came with the added challenge of operating within the confines of a heritage-listed building. The result is a luxurious four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse set across 424 sqm of space over two storeys. The home maintains the factory’s soaring 5-metre-high vaulted ceilings over the kitchen and living areas. The factory’s original tall windows, as well as the home’s many cavernous spaces, exposed metal beams and polished concrete, add to the home’s industrial vibe. There are plenty of modern touches and conveniences, such as a statement spiral staircase and steam room as well as a mineralised pool and shower in the enclosed verandah. The property sold with an 8-metre-long French oak kitchen table, which can seat 22 people. (Which is handy, because you never know when you will need to feed a couple of soccer teams.) Hartman declined to comment, so we are not certain of his next move, but it is understood he has no plans to join the exodus of Tattarang staff who have departed the company this year. The property was purchased by a western suburbs surgeon and was sold via real estate agent Jody Fewster of Ray White.