Spiffy Vancouver Special takes a while to sell

3544 GLADSTONE ST., VANCOUVER

ASKING PRICE: $1.379 million

SELLING PRICE: $1.320 million

TAXES: $3,710

DAYS ON MARKET: 75

LISTING AGENT: Dwayne Launt, Stonehouse Realty

The Action: This wasn't an easy sale. The house had been listed previously and was re-listed some time in the summer.

What They Got: Vancouver Specials don't get much more luxurious than this one, set on an extra-wide lot in a cul de sac near the popular and newly-renovated Trout Lake Community Centre.

The house was completely renovated, from top to bottom, inside and out. It features painstaking details, such as zinc downspouts, hand-rubbed blonde oak floors, a sound system throughout, skylights, heated bathroom floors, built-in driveway and garden lights, stainless steel handrails and intercom. The house was a main feature of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation Vancouver Special Tour held in the fall, which significantly helped with the marketing.

The Agent's Take: Part of the challenge in selling the home, agent Dwayne Launt says, was that its target market wasn't the usual family that desires three bedrooms on the main floor. This house has two bedrooms on the main floor and an open concept entertaining area with big balcony that is more suited to a couple. There's even a yoga room on the downstairs level, although it's expected the new buyers will convert it into an office.