Booth Street, Balmain sandstone stunner sells for $1.7 million
More than $1.5 million, then about $1.6 million had been suggested as the likely price of an 1880s Balmain sandstone cottage with two-storey modern makeover at the rear.
About 145 groups had inspected the three-bedroom cottage before its March auction.
It has now been sold - and for $1.7 million through BresicWhitney agents Ercan Ersan and Melinda Antella.
The renovation time similarly spiralled, taking two years after Omar and Luciana Martinez bought the 15 Booth Street property for $980,000 in 2011.
The Martinezes had not renovated before but saw the prospect of restoring its sandstone facade, bring light into the home, and extend with a contemporary, open-plan living space by their architect Brad Inwood.
Site excavation into solid sandstone was required before a new concrete slab could be laid.
With the time delays on planning approvals and then on the excavation the reported budget moved from $350,000 to $450,000, according to a Fairfax Media article.
The old house plan showing the sewer pipe running under the house when it actually was along the back of the block, shaved off around $20,000 in envisaged expenses.
RP Data records show it was briefly available for rent earlier this year at $1295 a week.
