31 HOLLOWAY RD., TORONTO
ASKING PRICE $1,099,000
SELLING PRICE $1,075,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $621,000 (2003); $412,000 (1996)
TAXES $4,888 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET seven
LISTING AGENT Barbara Polson, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
THE ACTION: About 20 buyers secured private showings for this two-storey, storybook house in Etobicoke, while nearly three dozen couples were comfortable waiting for impromptu tours at two open houses.
WHAT THEY GOT: Several different owners renovated this more than 70 year-old residence, so it provides much more space than expected, including a living room and separate dining and family rooms with fireplaces, as well as a new sunroom addition and an eat-in kitchen with walkouts to the patio and manicured, south-facing garden.
There is a more casual feel in the basement, which was recently finished with an open recreation area with wood floors and halogen lights.
Skylights illuminate in the second floor office and two out of three bedrooms, which each have access to a private or semi-private bathroom. The master suite also has a walk-in closet with built-in storage.
Conveniences include a total of four full bathrooms, interior access to the garage and a shed for equipment to maintain the 50- by 160-foot grounds.
THE AGENT'S TAKE: "It was totally updated and very charming," says agent Barbara Polson, who cities decorative details like rich wood trims and wainscoting. "What was unique is [the sellers] had done a new Florida room for summer lifestyle living with a wood burning fireplace and a TV."
The choice of high-calibre changes was also a sign that the previous owner intended to staying longer in the home and community. "It's part of the old Islington Village, so it's very quaint with lots of tall trees," Ms. Polson adds.