Done Deal, 496 Russell Hill Rd., Toronto
496 RUSSELL HILL RD, TORONTO
ASKING PRICE $3,499,000
SELLING PRICE $3,700,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $1,725,000 (2003)
TAXES $21,362 (2015)
DAYS ON THE MARKET One
LISTING AGENT Marni Lokash, Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd
The Action: Available real estate in Forest Hill was a scarce commodity earlier this year, which was beneficial in the sale of this detached, 2 1/2-storey house with an attached double garage. A dozen shoppers quickly scheduled showings and three reappeared with offers, including a visitor whose spouse toured it only after their $3.7-million bid was accepted.
What They Got: For over a century, a 50-by-150-foot corner lot has been the platform for this over 4,000-square foot residence with a centre hall plan, which places a grand foyer between a fireside living room and a dining area wrapped with wainscoting and French entry doors.
Casual entertaining areas consist of an updated eat-in kitchen and a separate family room with built-in bookcases and wall of windows and doors to the in-ground pool and gardens, plus a lower level recreation room.
For solitary dealings, there is a fully panelled, fireside library and five sleeping quarters upstairs, including a second floor master with his and her closets and a six-piece en suite, which is the largest of five bathrooms.
The Agent's Take: "It was in an ideal location close to Forest Hill Village, the Beltline [trail], schools and main arteries like Avenue Road," agent Marni Lokash says. "The corner lot gives it beautiful exposure and great street presence, and allowed for a private garden with a pool."
Inside, the house was befitting of its majestic setting. "The house is a very stately, classical Forest Hill home … [with] original character still in pristine shape," Ms. Lokash notes. "It featured beautiful walnut panelling on the main floor, and the library on the second floor is one of those unique features in the original Forest Hill homes."