Sale of the Week: the $820,000 Blake-Jones home that proves buyers won’t be dissuaded by eccentric design
Address: 84 Boultbee Avenue
Neighbourhood: Blake-Jones
Agent: Gary Crowder , Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage
The Property: This three-bedroom detached home features brightly coloured rooms with artwork hand-painted directly onto their walls and hardwood floors. The elevated corner lot, with an unobstructed view of the city skyline, was a draw for buyers.
The History: One seller is a painter, the other an artist who works mainly with wood. The pair originally moved into the home in 1987. Seeking more space for their family and the painter’s work, in 1995 they built a rear addition with an artists’ studio and a walkout to the private backyard garden. Now, they’re moving to a more rural setting.
The Fate: The buyers are a pair of young professionals with a small family. The property’s creative “good flow and spirit” vibed with them, and they plan on keeping most of the home’s character intact, as far as the selling agent knows.
The Sale: The sellers felt the home should be showcased on its creative merits, rather than painted over to appease the general Toronto market. Despite the risky sales approach, after a seven-day holdback period they received three offers from suitors who each saw value in the home’s artistic quirks. The couple accepted the highest bid, then threw an art party to celebrate with friends and acquaintances.
By the Numbers:
• $822,990
• 1,740 square feet above grade
• 104 years old
• 104 per cent of list price
• 7 days on the market
• 3 offers
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 washrooms
• 2-storey modern rear addition
• 2-car detached garage
• 1 artists’ studio
294203 The house looks ordinary enough from the street. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-01-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-01.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-01/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-01 0 0
294205 But inside it's a crazy mish-mash of daring paint choices. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-02-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-02.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-02/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-02 0 0
294206 The colour scheme is weirdly reminiscent of a <em>Saved by the Bell</em> set. Anyhow, it didn't put off the buyers. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-03-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-03.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-03/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-03 0 0
294207 Here's the dining area. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-04-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-04.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-04/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-04 0 0
294208 The kitchen table is a custom fit. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-05-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-05.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-05/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-05 0 0
294209 And here's the family room, located inside the rear addition. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-06-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-06.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-06/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-06 0 0
294210 The main-floor washroom. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-07-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-07.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-07/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-07 0 0
294211 Here's the second-floor hallway, where the hardwood is covered in murals and no two doors are alike. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-08-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-08.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-08/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-08 0 0
294212 There are four bedrooms on the second floor. This is one. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-09-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-09.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-09/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-09 0 0
294213 Another bedroom. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-10-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-10.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-10/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-10 0 0
294214 This bedroom is set up as a studio. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-11-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-11.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-11/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-11 0 0
294215 The second-floor washroom. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-12-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-12.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-12/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-12 0 0
294216 The master bedroom is the most ordinary room in the house. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-13-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-13.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-13/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-13 0 0
294217 The house is on an elevated corner lot with a view of the city. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-14-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-14.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-14/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-14 0 0
294218 Here's what the rear addition looks like from the outside. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-15-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-15.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-15/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-15 0 0
294219 The backyard is very nice. Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue Sale of the Week: 84 Boultbee Avenue https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-16-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-16.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue/slide/toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-16/ toronto-sale-of-the-week-84-boultbee-avenue-16 0 0
Did Helen Keller choose the colours?
LOVE every bit of this. So glad they didn’t succumb to realtor grey. (but that can’t be sponge-painting on the kitchen cupboards can it?)