Done Deal, 1587 Dupont St., Toronto
1587 DUPONT ST., TORONTO
ASKING PRICE: $2,395,000
SELLING PRICE: $2.3-million
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE: $425,000 (2009)
TAXES: $6,130 (2017)
DAYS ON THE MARKET: 132
LISTING AGENTS: Paul Johnston and Matt Manuel, Right at Home Realty Inc.
The Action: Sandwiched between a public library and shop is this two-storey structure few passersby knew was a private residence on a 24-by-120-foot lot. But three visitors connected with it, making offers at different times this fall, so the sellers ended up with a $2.3-million deal just before Halloween.
"There were other homes that trade in the Junction Triangle, but this was pretty distinctive," agent Paul Johnston said.
"People were attracted to two things: something with a really unique design profile and also a very unique location in an up-and-coming neighbourhood."
What They Got: The owners of Soma Studio not only redesigned an old supermarket and garage as this semi-detached house and laneway studio, but they also custom crafted its high-calibre appointments.
Standout features in the home range from Spanish cedar windows and wall panels throughout to a Belgian-designed wood-burning fireplace, nearly 20-foot ceilings and massive sliding patio doors in living and dining room addition.
Social encounters can unwind in a family room off a side courtyard or lower-level recreation area with concrete floors. For private affairs, the second floor has two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
The Agent's Take: "The attention to the overall program of the house – the layout and dimensions of the rooms – it was clear this was someone who knew what they were doing," Mr. Johnston said.
"The quality of workmanship was far above what we're accustom to seeing, because they're not just designers, they're craftspeople … so there were a number of features not just beautifully designed but artisanally executed by the people who owned the house."
Buyers also appreciated the laneway home's utility. "It's like a modern coach house and there are few and far between in Toronto," Mr. Johnston said.
"There's a full bathroom and a rough-in kitchen, so it could serve as number of things – a home office, a side apartment or nanny suite."