DONE DEALS
TYEE BRIDGE AND MARCIE GOOD
Other
QUEEN’S PARK
436 2nd St.
Asking price: $589,900
Selling price: $576,500
Taxes: $2,980 (2004)
Days on market: 30
You can’t judge this house by its vinyl siding. Its 10-foot ceilings,
original fir floors, and heavy oak bannister tell a more complete story.
Built in 1895, it is an obscured example of the heritage that defines this
neighbourhood. Almost every house dates back to the same era, and the
distinctive feel is well guarded. “The Queen’s Park people, they’re
different than the average,” says agent Derek Love. “They appreciate the
history and they’ll pay for it. Most of the people looking to move usually
end up moving a street or two away; they never move out.”
While the house has no garage or basement, is on a relatively small lot, has
just one full bathroom and little street appeal, other features supported
its valuable vintage. In keeping with what Mr. Love calls “the Queen’s Park
thought,” the previous owners had recently installed a period-friendly
French door with a stained glass section at the top. The current owners plan
to replace the vinyl siding with shingles.
Other updates included a reconfiguration of the second floor with an open
den area between the three bedrooms. Along with the high ceilings, this gave
the sense of more space than the 1,610-sq.-footage suggests. The kitchen was
well-kept, with newer appliances but “nothing fancy.” A large side patio
made good use of the grassy, fenced-in yard.
Listing Agent: Derek Love (Coldwell Banker)
FALSE CREEK NORTH
907 Beach Ave., Penthouse 3
Asking price: $850,000
Selling price: $830,000
Taxes: $2,807
Days on market: 64
Watching five o’clock traffic inch across the Burrard Bridge, 150 feet below
your balcony, offers distinct “if you lived here, you’d be home by now” type
of satisfaction.
But then, in a 23rd storey, two-level penthouse with nine-foot ceilings,
Brazilian cherry wood floors , two seven- by nine-foot balconies and top-of
the-line everything, you don’t need to look down to enjoy yourself.
“Some people prefer penthouse living, because among other things there’s no
one living above you,” says agent Les Twarog.
Recently renovated for over $250,000, other advantages in this
1,396-square-foot two-bedroom include crown mouldings, Tuscany stone
fireplace, solid maple cabinets and granite countertops.
“This one is very elegant but was on the market for a few months because it
was initially overpriced at $950,000.
There’s a peekaboo to the water from the balcony, mostly you have city and
mountain views.”
A buyer from the U.S. felt this was reason enough, along with the
resort-like facilities at the building: indoor pool, sauna, squash court and
gym. Not bad for a summer home in the city.
Listing agent: Les Twarog, Re/Max Crest Realty Westside
Copyright 2006 Bell Globemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
