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Done Deal, 253 Blythwood Ave., Toronto

253 BLYTHWOOD RD., TORONTO

ASKING PRICE $1.85-million

SELLING PRICE $2.15-million

PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $1,385,000 (2013); $505,000 (1993)

TAXES $9,480 (2016)

DAYS ON THE MARKET Three

LISTING AGENT Cailey Heaps Estrin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Heaps Estrin Team

The Action: Compared with the grand estates sometimes found in Lawrence Park, this detached heritage home was modest in size and priced under $1.9-million last fall. More than 80 house hunters hustled to get inside and several returned quickly with pre-emptive offers.

What They Got: The stately stone exterior of this over 2,000-square-foot residence is the first indication of the 1920s finishes preserved throughout, from gumwood trims in the dining area to leaded glass windows and French doors in the living room.

But in recent years, the roof was replaced, the kitchen modernized and a solarium created with vaulted ceilings and an exit to the patio, perennial gardens and in-ground pool.

A fourth bedroom upstairs was also converted into a dressing area for the master suite, and two out of three bathrooms renovated, including one in the main-floor office and another off a lower-level recreation area with access into the garage.

The Agent's Take: "A new home in the neighbourhood would start at $5-million and a remodelled older home on large frontages or on a different street are anywhere from $3-million up," agent Cailey Heaps Estrin says.

"This home did well because it was an attractive price point for the neighbourhood and the house itself was absolutely stunning."

Notable mention goes to the decor and extra deep 40-by-173-foot lot. "It's a Tudor-style home with stone accents and some of the interior features – like original wainscoting in some areas and original mouldings – added character to the home," Ms. Heaps Estrin notes.

"And the other nice feature was it has an oversized, south-facing lot, so in the backyard, you felt like you were in the country."

Meticulously crafted home ideally situated near shops, transit

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