860 LANDS END RD., NORTH SAANICH, B.C.
ASKING PRICE $2,490,000
SELLING PRICE $2,250,000
TAXES $8,716 (2012)
DAYS ON THE MARKET 16
LISTING AGENT Lisa Williams, Sotheby's International Realty Canada
The Action: Tough market conditions meant this waterfront property, just a 30-minute drive north of Victoria, was listed a couple of times with different agents and at different price points. In the hands of realtor Lisa Williams, the price was dropped to $2.49-million, bringing in about 10 potential buyers and one workable offer.
What They Got: In 2002, this detached house was custom built on a 1.1-acre lot with 5,152-square-feet of living space spread across three levels and luxuries like maple and tile floors, skylights, six bathrooms and a central vacuum system, as well as stairs to the beach and a concrete launch pad.
Picture windows and glass patio doors provide ocean views in two out of three main floor bedrooms, including a fireside master suite with his and her bathrooms and a sitting area, as well as a grand living and dining area with a second fireplace and vaulted, 21-foot ceilings that open to an upper landing to an office, fourth bedroom and family room with a balcony.
Entertaining groups is easy with supporting elements, such as a large, open kitchen with an island, a pantry, laundry and mud rooms to a breezeway to a double garage, plus a wine cellar off the lower level recreation room.
The property is less than a
ten-minute drive to the
Victoria airport, marinas and BC Ferries
The Agent's Take: "It had nice privacy and good access to the ocean," says Ms. Williams, who finds many neighbouring homes are recreational retreats for Americans like the sellers.
"The size of the properties there are larger than a lot of areas, and its closer to the ferry and the airport, so for people coming and going part-time, it's quite convenient… and the marinas are much closer as well."
Last summer, Ms. Williams sold a $3-million estate on the street where high-end homes are the norm. "It was a very nice custom home with some very nice features, custom cabinetry and nice wood work," Ms. Williams adds.
"It had a master bedroom on the main floor, which was a nice option, and a nice open floor plan with a great room with high ceilings and lots of windows."