Restoration complete for former home of Western Australia's own Prime Minister

The former home of Australia's wartime Prime Minister John Curtin is open to the public following comprehensive conservation and interpretation works on the Cottlesloe property.

Premier Colin Barnett today joined Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the 'Curtin Family Home'.

Mr Barnett attended the home, a place of great cultural significance for Australia in his capacity as Premier and as the local member of parliament.

The Cottesloe home was built specifically for Australia's 14th Prime Minister John Curtin and his wife Elsie in 1923 when he worked as a journalist, prior to entering Parliament.

Mr Curtin was Prime Minister from October 1941 until his death in 1945, leading the country through the most critical years of World War II.

John Curtin was the only Australian Prime Minister to represent a WA electorate.

The Premier said the 'Curtin Family Home' was an example of a commitment from both the Federal and State governments to ensure a significant aspect of Australia's national heritage was conserved for future generations.

"It has been home to four generations of the Curtin's extended family who have lived there for more than 75 years and is one of only three former Prime Minister's homes in Australia accessible to the community," he said.

"The home is now available as short-term accommodation to ensure the future of this important feature of Australia's political history."

The cultural significance of the 'Curtin Family Home' was officially recognised when it was entered on the (WA) Register of Heritage Places in 2000.

"As Premier, it gives me great pleasure to accept joint patronage of this significant heritage property," Mr Barnett said.

The house was initially purchased by the State Government in 1999 from Elsie Curtin junior for $550,000. Half of the cost was met by the Federal Government.