• 20 Garden Avenue
• Asking price: $499,000
• Selling price: $540,000
• Previous selling price: $483,000 (2006)
• Taxes: $3,800 (2008)
• Lot size: 27 by 127 feet
• Days on the market: four
• Listing agent: Julie Kinnear, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

This modest 1½-storey residence drew big crowds looking for an affordable property in a prime area of Roncesvalles Village close to schools, local shops and parks as well as friendly neighbours, agent Julie Kinnear says.

"It's a detached [house] ... for the price of what semis go for," she says. "It meant that it was a wider lot, so you get a bigger yard and parking at the back."

The more than century old Victorian cottage was topped up in the 1980s, so there is now 1,338 square feet of living space, including three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

"It was really meant for a couple or a couple with one kid," Ms. Kinnear says.

Classic details, such as its brick façade, decorative gable and covered porch, are complemented with new roofing and Thermopane windows. "It has great curb appeal," the agent says.

Inside, a new furnace was brought in, the plumbing and wiring were redone, and hardwood floors were recently installed in the second-floor bedrooms.

That includes the master suite, which was designed with dramatic vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows, along with an ensuite bathroom, walk-in closet and walkout to a private sundeck.

On the main level, the foyer is flanked by a guest bedroom and open living room.

Behind the dining room is a kitchen with slate floors and a walkout to a deck, fully fenced backyard and detached garage. Extra kitchen cabinetry, a new gas line and gas stove were added about two years ago.

The 819-square-foot basement contains a laundry area, open recreation room and separate rear exit.