25 Saunders Ave., Toronto
Asking price: $599,000
Selling price: $684,000
Previous selling price: $224,000 (1999)
Taxes: $3,396 (2009)
Lot size: 20 by 120 feet
Days on the market: eight
Listing agent: Paul Johnston, Right at Home Realty
Based on appearances, this three-storey, semi-detached house would lead many to believe it’s typical of the housing stock in Roncesvalles Village. But it’s hardly the case once inside, agent Paul Johnston says.
“This is another example of a house in a superb neighbourhood that was really intelligently and stylishly renovated,” says the agent, who juggled half a dozen offers.
“It was a substantially brighter home … and it had a great deal more flow …than the traditional floor plans of those homes.”
The seller – who is an industrial designer – completely renovated the interiors with open concept spaces enclosed only with translucent sliding doors and large expanses of glass.
Done Deal, 25 Saunders Ave., Toronto
By the front window, there is living space with a wood-burning fireplace and a central dining area with a custom armoire and sliding panels to the rear kitchen. “The main floor captivated most people because it was truly open concept,” Mr. Johnston says.
A couple of years ago, the cooking space earned a spread in a home design magazine because of its use of white lacquer cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and countertops, and a wall of windows and a glass door to the south-facing backyard.
“The kitchen was incredibly contemporary and had extremely clean lines,” Mr. Johnston adds. “Even though it’s a seven- or eight-year-old renovation, it really stood to test of time because the palette was so clean.”
The second floor houses three bedrooms and a bathroom, while the floor above was designed as a master suite with glass doors to a partly finished deck and frosted sliding doors to hide the recessed Japanese soaker tub and adjacent powder room.
“That’s not something we see a lot of in Toronto,” Mr. Johnston says.
There is space in the basement for storage.
