264 Bain Ave., Toronto.Photos by Tom Woodside, MyHomeTour.ca
264 BAIN AVE., TORONTO
ASKING PRICE $879,000
SELLING PRICE $870,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $534,000 (2006); $248,000 (1990)
TAXES $5,368 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET eight
LISTING AGENTS Irene Kaushansky and Philip Brown, Keller Williams Advantage Realty
THE ACTION: Just a block east of Withrow Park, this detached, two-storey house was open to nearly 20 groups with private showings and at least 60 buyers during two public open houses.
The new owner is in the legal profession like one of the original occupants, which made the purchase of the historic property even more befitting.
WHAT THEY GOT: This century-old Victorian is one of the oldest properties in the neighbourhood once home of the prominent Robinson family.
Traditional characteristics include ten-foot ceilings, elaborate trims and mouldings in areas like the dining room, plus stained glass transoms, refinished hardwood floors and a wood burning fireplace in the living room.
Modern conveniences include two bathrooms, including one amidst the three bedrooms upstairs, enlarged windows and updated mechanics, as well as a remodeled kitchen with Shaker-style cabinetry, Brazilian granite counters and access to a wrap-around deck, patio, gardens and two-car parking at the back of the 22 by 100-foot lot.
The third and lower levels are unfinished spaces.
THE AGENT'S TAKE: "It's rare to find a completely detached, all brick Victorian whether it's in Riverdale, Cabbagetown or the Annex," says agent Irene Kaushansky. "More of them are semis or rowhouses rather than detached."
Buyers also appreciated this property was upgraded, but still left room for personalization.
"It was in very good condition for its age, not just cosmetically, but certainly structurally. The brick was impeccable and it was a lot more straight than a lot of Victorians with sloped floors and doorways," says Ms. Kaushansky.
"It's common to have a third floor, but what we haven't seen a lot of is the untouched third floors which have the opportunity to refinish."