• 169 De Grassi Street
• Asking price: $514,900
• Selling price: $513,000
• Previous selling price: $412,000 (2005), $297,000 (2002)
• Taxes: $2,852 (2008)
• Lot size: 15 by 90 feet
• Days on the market: eight
• Listing agent: Julie Kinnear, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

This 2-1/2-storey Victorian in South Riverdale presented a good balance of traditional and contemporary elements that struck a chord with many buyers, agent Julie Kinnear says.

"It was in a really cute row of gorgeous houses, so it had a lot of appeal that way," she says, citing its original brick façade and stained glass windows, as well as 10-foot ceilings.

"It had a more modern interior so that was kind of cool too."

To update the 129-year-old heritage property, the water main was recently upgraded, the roof, furnace and hot water tank were replaced, and the kitchen was remodelled with concrete countertops, stainless steel appliances and oversized 10-foot doors to the deck.

In addition, the second-floor master bedroom was opened up to showcase cathedral ceilings, a skylight above and stairs to a loft-style bedroom.

"[The sellers] did a lot of work," the agent says.

Filling out the rest of the 1,417-square-foot plan is a lone bathroom on the second floor near the third bedroom, and a main-floor living and dining area with crown moulding and hardwood floors.

The 299-square-foot basement is unfinished.

Behind the secluded backyard, there is parking off a lane, though it is a short walk to supermarkets, restaurants and streetcars on Dundas Street and Broadview Avenue, along with parks, schools and a library.