Done Deal, 57 Oriole Gardens, Toronto
57 ORIOLE GARDENS, TORONTO
ASKING PRICE $1,549,000
SELLING PRICE $1,715,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $921,000 (2007); $757,000 (2002)
TAXES $8,631 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET Five
LISTING AGENTS Cameron Weir and Scott Hanton, Keller Williams Advantage Realty
The Action: In a residential pocket near Upper Canada College, this detached, 21/2-storey house hosted agents-only and public open houses for about 40 realtors and 60 buyers respectively. Before the official offer date arrived, one buyer made a strong pre-emptive bid that the sellers accepted.
What They Got: In 2008, this more than 3,400-square-foot house was given a modern makeover, starting with updated doors and windows, as well as a new shed, fencing and extensive landscaping for the 31-by-81-foot lot.
The interiors were gutted and redressed with all new mechanics, such as a central vacuum system, pot lights and radiant heated hardwood floors throughout, including the lower level recreation room and a main floor kitchen with Miele appliances and access to a rear sunroom.
Decorative trims and leaded glass windows add a classic touch to the grand foyer, an adjacent living room with a gas fireplace and a dining area with double garden doors to a south-facing yard.
The largest of three bedrooms on the second floor features a sitting area, private bathroom, walk-in closet and fireplace surrounded by a custom, built-in media unit. The third floor houses one of three bathrooms and a fourth bedroom with vaulted, sky-lit ceilings.
The Agent's Take: "It had really high-quality finishes, from top to bottom, and it had a really beautiful European garden in the back," says agent Cameron Weir. "It's a great house for someone with a regular-sized family."