52 DE GRASSI ST., TORONTO
ASKING PRICE $599,000
SELLING PRICE $765,500
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $166,000 (1993)
TAXES $3,544 (2013)
DAYS ON THE MARKET Seven
LISTING AGENT Kara Reed, Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd.
The Action: Even without private parking, this 967-square-foot bungalow had buyers lined up along the historic street during a weekend open house. Though there were semi-detached properties available for sale nearby, detached ones like this were not, so it racked up four offers.
What They Got: Across from Bruce Mackey Park off Queen Street, this Victorian residence has retained and restored original features circa 1880, from its brick façade, gabled roofline and stained glass windows outside to iron floor grates, wainscotting and hardwood floors inside.
In the past two decades, a new roof, cedar deck, plumbing and cooling system were among practical improvements, while cosmetic ones include updated cabinetry and ceramic backsplashes in the kitchen and a second full bathroom, kitchen and carpeted recreation room in the one-bedroom basement suite, which has front and rear exits to the 26-by-102-foot lot.
The layout is traditional with separate living and dining rooms, an office and two bedrooms on the main floor.
The Agent's Take: "It's a coveted little street that's tree-lined with a lot of Victorians and in the hub of prime Leslieville," says agent Kara Reed, who notes the proximity of Queen Street cafes, shops and steetcars.
"This is a detached home with 26-foot frontage, so it had a garden that was absolutely magical, you didn't even feel like you were in the city with flagstone patios, a pond, hundreds of perennials and big mature trees."
This property was also a local curiosity featured in books and walls of local businesses.
"It had it staged and painted … but it was a true Victorian in beautiful shape," Ms. Reed said. "[Plus] what it did have that helped was a separate basement apartment … to generate income."
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.