101 Pears Ave.
What: A renovated semi-detached residence on a premium lot across from Ramsden Park in Yorkville.
Living space: 1,248 square feet
Lot size: 17 by 106 feet
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Asking price: $795,000
Taxes: $4,912 (2008)
Agent: Roger Kilgour, Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.
Located within the city's core, Ramsden Park is a lush playground for kids and adults alike, with its tall trees, pathways and outdoor sports facilities.
This two-storey, semi-detached house on Pears Avenue - a quiet, dead-end street northeast of Avenue and Davenport roads - is one of few properties with a clear view of the Yorkville park.
"It's beautifully situated directly across from [the] park," agent Roger Kilgour says.
"It's not your typical little parkette: It's full-sized with tennis courts and hockey rinks," the agent adds.
The property is close to schools and the Rosedale subway station, and within walking distance of some of the city's most prestigious boutiques, gourmet eateries and art galleries.
"You can walk to the finest shops and restaurants in Yorkville," the agent says. "The home is ideal for someone that wants to be close to all the things downtown has to offer."
Further enhancing the value of the property - built in the late 1800s or early 1900s - are the various improvements made to it within the past decade. About $70,000 was spent on everything from mechanical updates to cosmetic makeovers.
"It's stunning," Mr. Kilgour says. "All the money spent here is going to serve the next owner very well for many years to come."
For instance, a new stucco finish was applied across the rear of the exterior, and new custom-designed front and back doors were added. His and hers closets were created in the master bedroom, and carpeting was installed on the staircase, upper landing and inside all three bedrooms.
As for purely practical improvements, the roof was replaced, and insulation was added in the attic and crawl space under the kitchen.
The original character of the house - shown in such features as the more than 10-foot ceilings and crown mouldings in areas like the open living and dining room - was not sacrificed in the renovations.
"The trick is to strike the balance of the charm of yesteryear and blend it with the use of mechanic functions of today," Mr. Kilgour says. "They struck that balance well here."
Designer Karen Kayne gave the gourmet kitchen a modern sensibility, complete with granite countertops, a double sink with an integrated drain board, and maple cabinetry, including some with glass inserts and interior lighting to showcase dishes.
The entire grounds were professionally landscaped. In the rear, a stone patio was added, along with perennials and trees, including pear, serviceberry, lilac and Japanese maple. The walkway was moved in a redesign of the front yard.
"You're close to everything, but you're really quite secluded," Mr. Kilgour says. "The garden is like a little oasis in the city."
Contacted early this week, he adds that given the property's assets, it was not likely to stay on the market for long.
"The person who buys it is ... going to be making a very wise investment in downtown Toronto real estate that will serve them well for many years to come," he says. "They should buy it immediately, without delay."
Those words turned out to be prophetic: the home sold on Tuesday. Mr. Kilgour would give few details other than to say it sold, "over asking."
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The amenities
This semi-detached property includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a finished basement.
Past the front foyer, there is an open living and dining room with hardwood flooring and crown moulding. French doors with a transom open to the kitchen, which has several appliances, granite countertops, as well as maple cabinets with glass inserts and interior lights.
Oversized, custom-made sliding doors open to the private backyard - filled with perennials and trees - as well as to stairs that lead to two private parking spots on a laneway.
The main bathroom and three broadloom-covered bedrooms are on the second floor. The master suite spans the width of the house, and has his and hers closets as well as windows facing the public park.
The 431-square-foot basement contains a family room illuminated by pot lights, a laundry closet and a three-piece bathroom.
