'Everyone knows everyone': Claremont, the prestige Perth suburb that locals swear by

The Formica family has been operating high-end furniture and homewares business Trilogy in Claremont for 12 years and managing director Tyler Formica says there’s no place they would rather be.

“We’re very lucky to be based in the area,” he says. “We’ve got both of our stores on the Stirling Highway in Claremont and we wouldn’t change it for anything. For anyone moving to WA the first place they should be heading to is Claremont, it’s right near the beach and the river and quite close to the city at the same time. We’ve also got fantastic public transport.”

Close ties

Formica says it’s a tight-knit community where “everyone knows everyone” and while many people do business together, they will also spend time socialising together on weekends.

Formica, who has also lived in the suburb, says Claremont has attracted affluent residents keen to take advantage of water views and amenities.

Well-restored Federation homes stand side by side with new builds and Trilogy’s mix of classical, French provincial and art deco furnishings has pieces to suit all styles.

“Our furniture works very well [with the older homes], but even with the more contemporary builds a lot of people like to mix the old with the new. Bringing in our product softens the space, gives it some warmth and adds a new dimension.”

Ray White Cottesloe-Mosman Park agent Jody Fewster says residents also love being close to the Claremont Quarter where high-end retailers include Parker & Co, Scanlan Theodore, Camilla and Marc, Carla Zampatti and Georg Jensen. The shopping centre is also home to one of the locals’ favourite restaurants, Miss Chow’s, an Asian eatery and dumpling house.

Top nosh

For wining and dining in the area, Formica is a fan of Italian haunts Bellissimo on Claremont’s main street, and Il Lido Italian Canteen, opposite the beach in neighbouring Cottesloe.

“As time goes on more restaurants and cafes are opening up,” says Formica. “There’s been a bit of a shift from retail-only to more dining options with a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere.”

The suburb is also a magnet for families thanks to its proximity to a clutch of Perth’s best schools, including Presbyterian Ladies College, Methodist Ladies College, Christ Church Grammar School and Scotch College.

Throw in a tennis club, an aquatic centre and a lakeside golf course and it’s little wonder Claremont is one of a handful of Perth suburbs where prices have risen over the past 12 months, with two sales over $6 million this year.

Top home in the area

Showcase your art, whip up a gourmet meal in the Leon House kitchen or cool off in the pool at this Richard Reilly-designed home.

Centrally located and well-appointed, the light-filled property features floor-to-ceiling windows.

Ray White Cottesloe-Mosman Park are selling the residence, which has a $2.7 million-to-$2.9 million guide.