Done Deal, 1208 W 33rd Ave., Shaughnessy, Vancouver
1208 W 33RD AVE., SHAUGHNESSY, VANCOUVER, B.C.
ASKING PRICE $3,380,000
SELLING PRICE $2,660,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $386,000 (1986)
TAXES $7,458 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET 116
LISTING AGENT Greg Carros, Sotheby's International Realty Canada
THE ACTION: This landmark residence backing onto VanDusen Gardens was listed for $3,380,000 late spring when buyers were especially wary of the economy. Between open houses and private appointments, there were 80 potential buyers, but some drafted extremely low offers.
Mid-summer, the price was dropped under $3-million, which brought in a buyer to negotiate a deal.
WHAT THEY GOT: In 1939, forestry industrialist H.R. MacMillan acquired a 79-by 125-foot corner lot to design and develop this two-storey house with a double garage and multiple walkouts to a maturely treed grounds with a private pool and open and covered patio areas.
The sellers made some cosmetic updates, but the original 3,939-square-foot design remains with fireside living and family rooms, a formal dining room and an eat-in Downsview kitchen with hardwood floors, a heated granite-topped island and breakfast bar and Miele, Sub-Zero and Ultraline appliances.
Upstairs, there are four private quarters, including a master bedroom with a walk-in closet, one of four gas fireplaces and access to a rear terrace and one of four bathrooms.
For extra space, there is a lower level recreation room, storage and laundry rooms.
THE AGENT'S TAKE: "It was built by H.R. MacMillan, who at one time was a titan of the forest industry, who built it for his daughter. So the wood in the house was spectacular – all clear wood, first grade – and 70 years later it still looked fantastic," says agent Greg Carros.
"It was one of my favourite older homes that I've sold because it was well-designed family home."
The outdoor environment was also a secluded hideaway. "It was very nice with a south backyard and a beautiful pool and nice decks," adds Mr. Carros.
Editor's Note: Done Deals contain information gathered from real estate agents, home buyers, home sellers and sale prices that are publicly available from government sources. While we try to publish Done Deals as soon as possible after the transaction has occurred, long closings can cause delays.