What was the longest time you’ve ever lived in one place? For an old lady named Joyce, the answer would be seven decades. However, that’s not what bewildered sisters Gladys and Carla Spizzirri after they were called in to look at Joyce’s West Toronto home.
They uncovered a shocking and astonishing find, unlike anything that the two co-owners from one of Toronto’s leading real estate agencies had encountered. Widowed and living alone, Joyce was hiding what some people could only dream of. Prepare to get your mind blown, much like the Spizzirri sisters!
Seemingly an ordinary house
An estate’s value is not always strictly reliant on the house’s age and style or market value alone. This story shows that what’s inside can equally be as significant as outward aesthetics. After all, looking at this West Toronto row home at a glance could fool anyone into thinking that it’s a slap-standard building from the ‘50s.
Not many people had ever had the opportunity to look in the house. Yet, all the neighbors knew it was owned by the same lady for as long as they could remember. However, just peeking inside the home of the 96-year-old Canadian named Joyce, an extraordinary sight is revealed.
A Mission Which Destined For The Spizzirris
No matter how much experience you have and how much you’ve seen, there will always come a day when you'll find something beyond your wildest dreams. We can’t think up the strange happenings that come our way, and all the best seem to come about by chance.
Carla and Gladys Spizzirri are two successful sisters. Despite usually working independently as co-owners of their agency, they somehow knew this opportunity called for broader insight. It sure was a good thing they decided to look into Joyce's home together because they would never forget her or her house after everything that was uncovered.
Just A Normal Day
The morning started just like any other day for the Spizzirri sisters, Gladys and Carla. They had no idea that their reputation preceding them was about to lead to a phenomenal find.
As for Joyce, the owner looking to sell, she had been living in the house since shortly after marrying her husband over 70 years ago. Deciding to let it go couldn’t have come easy, and she must have looked long and hard before settling on one of the very best agencies around.
Surprising Moments Do Happen
Gladys and Carla have acquired knowledge and have eventually been made experts about the detailed points and facts of their business through years of experience. Despite the fact that they shared ownership of the agency, they most often worked separately. However, when they recognize A Glimpse Of success they work together. When that happens they are considered masters who have the necessary skills to solve any problem that might come their way. Having been in the industry for a while, one would expect them to not be surprised by anything anymore. Once in a while, though, surprising moments do happen, and this is going to be one of them.
Talking For The First Time
Carla was the first to speak with the seller on the other line, securing the visit and offering to sell. The seasoned realtor set up the appointment and called in the assistance of her sister. With their combined expertise,She was guaranteed a fair assessment and the most optimal offer possible.
Ontario’s property market varies greatly, but between these two sisters, their experience was enough to assure the elderly seller that she would be granted a good deal. Although she was dealing with the best, the caller’s tone remained consistently unenthusiastic but somehow determined.
A Not-So-Made Up Mind
The stranger calling from what was assumed to be a regular house in an ordinary neighborhood was Joyce. The Spizzirris didn’t think a thing of the slight apprehension in her voice. After all, moving from a place you’ve called home for many years is difficult, especially at her age.
Even though their interested seller wasn’t the most enthusiastic, it was clear that she had made up her mind about selling her house. Well, that’s what she was saying, but she sounded quite hesitant. None of this incited anything other than an ordinary amount of interest from the sisters.
The First Shock That Came
When Joyce had talked to Carla, she had also mentioned something unexpected that ultimately impacted how the sisters envisioned the property. They knew that the woman interested in selling her home was old, but they were still shocked to find out that she was 96 years old.
In particular, Carla was impressed that Joyce was still pretty lucid and had no hearing issues, unlike her grandmother, who she had to speak to with a raised voice. Joyce being able to hear just fine over the other line was astounding, but the biggest impression was yet to come.
A Reluctant Start
At this point, the decision was made, and the process had already started. Joyce supplied the veteran realtors with the address and a photo of her residence from the outside. It didn’t look alarming, but it also didn’t really alleviate any concerns. After all, they had no clue what’s lurking inside.
On top of that, Joyce wasn’t 100% into the idea of selling the place she called home for more than half her life. Undeterred by her hesitant attitude, the eager realtors were still convinced that she wouldn’t back out of the sale.
They Thought They'd Seen It All
Carla joined Gladys’ sales team in 2009, so by the time Joyce called them up, they understood that every lot had its own kind of mystery. Knowing the area, they immediately scheduled an appointment to inspect their new client’s home.
As you can see from the picture, the tidy row houses appeared unassuming. The advantage of having a single owner for a long time is that things are usually well-kept. Then again, having seen it all, the pair were just as aware that it could have been dilapidated and rundown despite the tiny exterior.
Forming Professional Assumptions
Gladys and Carla deemed Joyce as a respectful and intelligent customer who had to make a hard call. Still, they pictured many different types of homes, and between the two of them, they’d contemplated nearly every interior possible before even walking into the house first-hand.
It’s a good thing that these two weren’t just any ordinary sisters. They’d been at the front of the Toronto real estate market for a long time, making their educated guesses quite a good bet in most cases. Gladys, specifically, was already doing the business full-time since 1987!
What Could Be Wrong With This Row Home?
After countless negotiations with other buyers and sellers, the sisters immediately recognized that something was up. Their intuition led them to suspect that a grim or disturbing reason made the property hard to pass on to another owner. Perhaps something had happened, or a part of it had fallen into grave disrepair.
Joyce moved into this house with her husband way back in 1942, but looking at this slice of history from the outside showed nothing shady. Nevertheless, if something was wrong, these two top Toronto realtors were confident they could handle it.
The Missing Piece From The Whole Truth
There are many good reasons to market a house, and clocking the right moment to sell usually brings about exceptional circumstances. But as per the Comfort Life website, most elderly would rather remain living and aging in their own residence. Some factors can sometimes get in the way of this decision, and that’s when the time to sell comes.
Joyce’s sale and its actual motivation were unconventional, though. Sure, the 96-year-old knew that it was time to shift towards assisted living at her age, but that’s not her only reason. The question is: What secret could someone that’s nearly a hundred years old have to conceal?
Is Joyce A Hoarder?
Given the old age of the seller, the original construction as seen from the exterior, and the sheer number of chaotic homes they’ve commonly encountered, one can’t blame the Spizzirri sisters for worrying. Carla remembered Joyce saying that she’d built up quite a collection of household items over the years.
Could it be that the sisters will be working with someone who didn’t know how to let go? Was Joyce actually a hoarder in hiding, filling boxes and stacking them roof-high as she kept an infinite collection of seemingly random things?
Or Perhaps She’s The Messy Kind...
Gladys and Carla also worried that things could even be worse, with the senior citizen in question letting this entire home run into ruin. It’s a scene that they’d seen all too often, and not only from the elderly. Housebound and having contact with few people sometimes leads to a home building up mountains of trash.
With no one around to help the isolated party find proper reasoning, housekeeping goes out the window. Messy living becomes so common that the house begins to fall apart. They can’t just negate the possibility that this seller is merely letting go of a giant mess to move on to greener pastures.
Expecting The Worst But Hoping For The Best
They Spizzirris had considered everything, but no notion seemed to stick. Even though they were dreading the worst and envisioning a house full of garbage, there was something different about this sale. Something that had both sisters hooked and intrigued despite their prevailing worries.
None of the typical reasons for a seller being reluctant to let go made any sense. The lady they spoke with over the phone came across as someone with a touch of class, not the type of person who conventionally presents a run-down lot.
Feelings Of Sympathy
Instead of an incapable owner or distracted seller who’s allowed her home and its fixtures to fall into ruin, Joyce simply seemed like someone struggling with a big enigma. Something was weighing heavy on her heart. Each time either of the realtors spoke with her, the same feeling arose, leaving them with a sense of sympathy.
According to the website A Place For Mom, senior isolation isn’t only common but dangerous. And although living alone doesn’t necessarily lead to loneliness, these two usually go hand-in-hand. By knowing this, it’s easy to see why the sisters badly want to help Joyce sell her home despite whatever she’s keeping from them.
All Alone In A Big House
The Administration of Aging released a report stating that approximately 30% or over 11 million senior citizens live alone at home. That is even though more than 5 million of them are badly in need of assisted living or some level of long-term care.
Most accidents among elders occur in their own houses due to numerous hazards in their homes. Falling is a grave threat to old people with brittle bones, and other accidents can cause severe injuries, and worse, death. Since Joyce lived alone inside her house, she was susceptible to all these as well, and that’s quite daunting to think about.
A Valuable Acquisition
Another reason why the Spizzirris saw the need to help Joyce out was that they knew how valuable houses in that neighborhood were. After doing some research, they figured that the residence could be marketed for a whopping estimate of $968,000!
Unfortunately, that amount hugely depended on the house’s interior condition and the sum it would cost to repair it to be at par with living standards.
Gladys and Carla just had to find out what their potential seller was trying to sweep under the rug before they can finalize anything. The feeling that something was wrong persisted, but the sisters pushed through with their scheduled inspection.
Established At The Right Spot
Before we go to Joyce’s home with the Spizzirris, let’s first see what they found out upon their initial scope of the place. They discovered that Joyce’s house was in a good area that boomed during the era when it was built. Like most of Toronto, the years following World War II brought significant change.
As the city’s skyline formed with Malton Airport, and five-lane streets filled Ontario, many row houses like Joyce’s were constructed. Toronto was booming so big and fast that Queen Elizabeth II even paid the city a visit in 1959. Joyce’s neighborhood was also well regarded for its affluent residents, high-priced boutique hotels, and more!
A Historic Neighborhood Brimming With Potential
Property values in the Old Mill area were on the rise for a while, leaving the Spizzirri sisters feeling optimistic about the placement of their new potential procurement. It’s picturesque with strong hints of the district’s early origins. Ruins of the gristmill can be found around Toronto, among many other treasures for avid explorers.
Most Old Mill streets also have cobblestone pathways reminiscent of the same design seen on the old abandoned buildings and iconic Eganville gristmill ruins of Ontario. Simply put, it’s a locality with historic architecture that would excite anyone working in the realty business.
Mixture Of Perks & Hazards
Joyce’s home is placed in a desirable area along the Humber Riverbank, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the entertainment district, where various parks, hotels, and restaurants can be found. Toronto’s convenient subway access makes it easy to go around the city as well.
Now, this is not to say that houses from the ’50s are free from any risks. Real estate inspections look for cast iron drain lines, asbestos, damaged posts and piers or those that have deteriorated, and areas that are lacking insulation. These common problems can all be costly to fix and are often found in houses from this period.
A Sudden Change Of Mind
All the hesitation was an ongoing issue that made the Spizzirri sisters worry every time they spoke with Joyce through calls. The scheduled date of their visit was fast approaching, and all the research had already been done. Yet, the pressure gave way, making the once-eager seller change her mind. Well, she tried to, at least.
Mixed feelings almost got the better of Joyce, who had been living in her home since she was 24 years old. Every good realtor anticipates their buyer getting cold feet and should be well prepared for any clouded judgment that may arise. Gladys and Carla were professionals that knew how to handle such cases.
Gladys To The Rescue
Gladys Spizzirri managed to sway Joyce back to her original decision. The wavering was understandable, but it really wasn’t what she actually wanted. It took a long time to decide to sell, but she really did want to do it, and her realtor somehow helped her remember that.
With the owner convinced and now finally steadfast in her decision, the day of the viewing came quickly. Gladys and her sister were finally about to see why it was so difficult to decide to sell this home in the first place.
Assessment On The Way
The sheer fact that Joyce almost jumped ship on the sale made matters even more intriguing. Whether they were walking into a train wreck or a treasure trove of architecture and design, the Spizzirri sisters were so curious that the findings really didn’t matter much anymore.
Whatever the structure’s current state would factor into the price, but the property values were at least promising. All the uncertainty made these agents want to meet the seller and see her home even more. The important thing is that Joyce was going to carry through with the assessment.
Learning To Say Goodbye
According to The New York Times, researchers have studied how physical spaces are bound to memory, making them filled with meaningful value surpassing anything monetary. Seven decades is a long time, and Joyce had been living happily in her home with her husband for most of it.
Joyce didn’t really mingle with her neighbors, and she was now about to allow people inside her home while also saying goodbye. Of course, it was scary for her. But as the days grew closer, her spirits seemed to cheer up, with every call in between becoming more optimistic. Even if that’s the case, the sisters still needed to keep on their toes.
The Big Day Has Arrived!
The day that the Spizzirri sisters were waiting for had now finally come, bringing them right at the vicinity of Joyce’s home. They’re about to discover whether they have come across an actual gem or a plainly standard sale. The same lingering feeling that they were about to happen upon something strange persisted.
Standing in front of Joyce’s home created a sense of wonder. It isn’t every day that you have someone selling a home they’ve lived in for such a long time. An essence of mystery hung steeped over the area, almost tangibly felt while they were there.
The Initial Visual Inspection
Joyce’s house standing situated in Old Mill definitely sparked interest in Gladys and Carla Spizzirri. Even with the plausible potential pitfalls weighed and considered beforehand, the historic neighborhood still stood as a catch. They are now so close to seeing whether their suspicions or hopes rang true.
Arriving in the street for an early visual inspection showed a home that looked pretty well maintained. Typical to the style from its era and finished off without fading paintwork or broken bricks, the house already seemed like a hot prospect just from its initial viewing. Wait until they see what’s inside...
Simply A Quaint Structure
As Carla and Gladys pictured, 148 Jane Street looked like any other street in the community. Most homes here were well-preserved with neat gardens and the same basic design. Toronto is famous for this evocative construction style, but as old houses go, you never really know what to expect.
Even the lawn of this house wasn’t that bad, which confused the Spizzirri sisters even more. It didn’t look like this was a residence that someone was selling because they couldn’t keep up its maintenance or appearance. What’s up with this house, then?
The Sisters Had To Find Out What Was Really Going On
Although laws differ in every country, sellers are generally liable for disclosing information that could impact a sale, like structural flaws and mold. However, some concerns can fall into such a grey area that house sellers may attempt to hide them for a higher offer or other reasons.
Was it really possible that this charming neighborhood and its sweet homeowner was hiding something truly ghastly like an unkempt home that’s been steadily falling apart since the ’50s? If there was anything wrong, the neighbors hadn’t caught a whiff, but the Spizzirris’ noses are on it.
Seems Safe And Promising Upon Further Scrutiny
Glancing across the road showed a safe neighborhood. It could have been the sheer timing of the sisters’ visit, but at a moment’s notice, you could look down the street and find a kid playing or riding their bicycle. It’s truly a great location! All signs were pointing toward this estate being a great prospect.
The front yards of other houses were thriving with greenery across every visible patch. Even Joyce’s unmaintained area was still presentable and inviting. The more they looked at the opportunity they’d just landed, the more it seemed too good to be true.
Examining With A Keen Eye
From the exterior, Joyce seemed to have a neat and tidy home that didn’t look like it would need much work. Picketed by a white fence and stone stairs, the house had a small but inviting garden that only required little care.
The looming worry that she was a hoarder still left both sisters uneasy but equally eager to step inside. While carrying the stress of being greeted by 70 years worth of hoarding, the sisters inspected the rest of the facade. They looked for any visible signs of damage without meeting the owner yet, who will most likely only share the finer details.
Zero External Issues
Everything created a picture of the perfect place to sell, from the house to its immediate surrounding area (the backyard, its structures, and even the two towering trees). No extensive maintenance seemed necessary, but this otherwise normal area could quickly be elevated to a high-priced home with a little landscaping.
Once the snow completely melts, any driven agent could obviously see that space transformed into a lush, green garden populated with blooming flowers and perhaps a bench or two. The visual inspection of the sisters was so far passing with flying colors.
Abundance Of Possibilities
No matter which section of the structure they inspected from the surface, all they came up with was more potential and no faults. The house was in far better shape than anyone expected, and that would have been impossible without ongoing, attentive care and maintenance.
Other than snow, which understandably hadn’t been cleared, the grounds were in excellent condition: no mess to be found and no clutter creating an eyesore. In fact, the welcoming brick aesthetic, backyard, and touch of green made for quite a cozy scene. No wonder Joyce was having such a hard time letting go of this place!
Untouched Since 1965
Joyce had been living in her home for precisely 72 years, so that’s a whole lot of memories and a lifetime shared with her late husband. She had disclosed to Gladys and Carla that the only changes ever done since its construction was an overhaul in 1965.
The fact that this structure hadn’t been completely renovated since it was built could swiftly have meant that it’s in an unsellable and beyond repair state. It’s another reason the Spizzirri sisters had dreaded surveying the site and yet were pleasantly surprised by the exterior examination.
What Could Be Hidden Within This Perfect Exterior?
There wasn’t even a roof tile out of place when the sisters examined this house’s exterior. At this point, thinking that Joyce is a hoarder didn’t make any sense anymore. After all, hoarders usually don’t have squeaky clean windows like what this house had.
A vast array of issues that usually affect design and composition are typically found in homes constructed between the ’40s and the ’50s, though. For example, nearly everything involves electronics today, unlike back then, when there weren’t quite as many devices in your regular residency. That’s just one of the many problems that could greet the Spizzirris within the 96-year-old’s home.
Entering Joyce's Home, At Last!
When Gladys and Carla came face-to-face with Joyce and the inside of her home, they were immediately captivated by its striking architecture. Not a stone was out of place, and no wear and tear could be seen anywhere at all!
Sure, they’d still have to have the tour, but the house was already blowing their minds. They hadn’t seen very much, but one thing was clear: This is a home that was given 72 years of love and attention. Active as she was, Joyce must have put a lot of effort into keeping things looking their best every step of the way.
Amazed By Her Life's Work
Proud owner Joyce explained that she maintained a busy lifestyle as a dressmaker for most of her life. The ever-active senior citizen uses the rest of her time to hone her interior design skills. As it turns out, the inside of her home served as a virtual canvas, showcasing all of Joyce’s passions and preferences.
Yet, so few had ever seen this work of art. Only now that Joyce had decided to join the estimated 4.5% of older adults living in retirement communities across the US had she finally shared her living time capsule with the world.
Impossible To Tell What's Inside
There was no way of telling what was inside. No part of the visual inspection, front or back, hinted at what the owner had done to this house. Joyce didn’t care to show what style she preferred or what habits she kept in her home’s facade.
Clueless would be the best way to describe speculating on this prospect beforehand. If you had to ask Gladys and Carla, they’d surely agree. You didn’t need the full tour to know that something exciting was waiting inside that house. Joyce’s apprehension turned to pride as she started showing them around...
It All Makes Sense Now
Now that they’d been inside, they knew why Joyce held on to her home for so long. Only a few would be willing to say goodbye to a place that they’ve taken care of so well. However, being welcomed inside still didn’t prepare the sisters for what the other rooms held.
This was a house that had perfect finishings all around and well-preserved construction throughout. Yet, everything being in excellent condition wasn’t what totally blew these two realtors away. There’s more, and it’s about to make you feel the same way right this moment.
Stepping Into A Time Warp
From the moment that the front door opened, the sisters were wonderfully surprised by a home whose striking design seemed to jump out at them. Joyce wasn’t hiding a disastrous space, quite the contrary. This wasn’t just a well-kept home either, for it was a real treasure, a one-of-a-kind abode.
Despite clearly coming from another era, the paisley wallpaper looked like it was bought and applied yesterday. From the ornate mirror to a matching stand, antique lighting, and elegant chair that’s just visible in the shot above, this place immediately exuded a wow factor.
Kitchen Straight From The ’60s
Joyce explained that a kitchen from the ’40s simply didn’t work, leading to its renovation in 1956. After all, massive stoves and broilers take up far too much space and are incredibly inefficient. Just imagine how cumbersome an icebox instead of a fridge would be?
Every last decoration and appliance are true to the original era. It looked like a kitchen stolen straight from the 1960s! The stove, fridge, tiles, and general design all match the period to perfection, and there wasn’t a fault to be found anywhere. Everything just worked.
The Perfect Passion Project
A closer look at the kitchen would leave anyone’s jaw on the floor. From the paintwork to the appliances, floor tiles to the kitchen scale, and even the counters—everything was immaculate. With style matched to the highest qualities of luxury seen during this pivotal period, Joyce and her husband lived well.
The more one looks around at this kitchen, the clearer it becomes that the home is both a project of passion and pride for Joyce. Just look at how those handles and countertop shine, although they’re from a different era. Stepping into this kitchen is like walking into a time machine!
A Lavish Elegant Living Room
Progressing to the living room showed Joyce’s fondness for tone on tone colors. The same light pink adorned the couches, while touches of highlights in the same color had matched the aesthetic to such a degree that you’d swear a professional designer was called in. Just as she said, nothing had been touched, but this didn’t mean that nothing had been done.
The Spizzirri sisters were beginning to realize that this house really was a time capsule. The owner ensured that everything inside exuded elegance and was of high quality while all being fantastic examples of some of the most iconic elements from the ’50s.
Vintage Pastel Shades That'll Wow Any Retro Fan
While neither Gladys nor Carla had likely seen this much pastel before, the scheme seemed to work. The more of the room you see, the more welcoming it becomes, with the colors melding into a sense of calm that permeates every room.
Musing at the ornaments and antique furniture leaves one in awe of just how long it must have taken to build a collection that is that well-matched. The owner told the Spizzirris that she had always tried to follow her own individual sense of style. Eager to see the rest of the house, Joyce guided them to the dining room.
Dining In The Lap Of Luxury
Joyce devised a magnificent design that uses the light shades of pastel to perfectly contrast the other hues. The wallpaper carried a metallic glimmer, boasting bold floral patterns that were highlighted with gold touches.
Somehow the owner pulled off the impossible, retaining the charm of a period passed without overdoing things. It's like nothing either Gladys or Carla had seen before, and entirely uncommon for even this historic area of Toronto. Grand finishings adorned the walls and ceiling. Even The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci was picked out as the perfect picture and ideal match to the period, completing the entire room.
Some Generous Sunlight On A Great Design
With the curtains open, sunlight floods into the dining room. The excellent lighting showcased even more how this space just conveys luxury and vintage charm. And yet, it still appears practical and warm, just like the rest of Joyce's home.
The keen realtors noticed how the house boasts a unique and striking interior design melded so well with its rooms' intelligent arrangement. Each space flows into the next, presenting synergy from each room. Like how the shades of pastel blend and flow, so do the design, making for a welcoming and inviting space. All of it began to get the Spizzirris more and more excited about this new venture.
Vintage Perfection Across Diverse Pastel Range
Pastel colors and vivid hues were trendy during the ’50s, and the website Fast Company even deemed it a cultural obsession. Still, it appeals to most people’s tastes these days, especially since the vintage look appears just as striking when someone like Joice gets it right.
With the same flair as a retro American diner, her kitchen and entire home have stayed faithful to a style that arose during a significant period of change in history. Daily Mail has even gone on to say that I Love Lucy, the iconic ’50s sitcom, could’ve been filmed in any of the rooms!
The Pretty In Pink Guest Room
Another striking aspect of Joyce's interior design style is that every room seemed to have its own theme while at the same time blending into the overall pastel motif. She sure knew how to make the most out of small spaces, as shown in this lovely pink guest bedroom.
Joyce's daughter had once told the Spizzirri sisters that her mom loves pink things and that this room is her favorite in the house. It's not just pink at play here. This novel space uses textures and only one or two ornamental touches to create the owner's vision.
Things To Think Through
Carla and Gladys were impressed by Joyce’s creative ingenuity and pretty pink room. The feature was something that needed to be considered moving forward with the sale, though. After all, they’d have to be open enough to accommodate a buyer’s personal preference.
From top to bottom, the whole house was decked in a distinctively feminine approach. While incredible and well-kept, this one factor of the house would have a notable impression on any male buyer who might not be into pinks and florals. Unless they proposed to simply redo the décor, Joyce’s color scheme could be an issue.
A Man Cave Out Of Nowhere!
When Joyce told Gladys and Carla that she had a large entertainment space downstairs, they never expected a place so big! Complete with its own wet bar, couch, and wooden decor throughout, it could easily be one of the house’s most impressive components.
It was an apparent haven apart from all the feminine features found upstairs. Joyce’s husband must’ve had this as his own private place to chill and hang out by himself or with the boys. The large carpeted area just gives enough space to socialize and entertain. Plainly speaking, it’s a bona fide basement ‘man cave.’
Doing Some Damage Inspection
With the inside of Joyce's home exceeding all expectations, it was now time for a physical damage inspection for any faults. By this point, the way that such an old house passed without any issues came as no surprise to the Spizzirri sisters. No lighting fixture or piece of plumbing was faulty.
In most cases, properties in this area of such age typically require a significant budget for maintenance, or worse, even total restorations. There was no such need for our widowed home seller, who took care of her home in every way. But before letting the place go, she had to tell the sisters one final detail.
It's Not All For Sale
With Gladys and Carla Spizzirri won over, Joyce shared one last aspect about their transaction. She wasn’t willing to sell the place with her furniture. In a way, it’s to be expected. Still, the news caused a weight in the hearts of our realtors. Now, the sisters were also troubled to see such a treasure being torn apart.
Unfurnished estates are more commonly sold than complete ones in most places but pulling apart a life’s work brought with it a sense of shared grief among the three. It seemed a shame to undo all the care and thought Joyce put into her home’s furnishings, making it a bonafide time capsule.
The Good News And The Breaking News
What made letting go of the furniture easier was knowing that it would be inherited by Joyce’s daughter, who spent her childhood in this fantastic home. Not many got to see Joyce’s treasured work firsthand, but the Spizzirris were lucky to have done so.
From then on, however, the story of this house’s brilliant interior had become viral, appearing on the news and all over the internet. To those who have seen the residence, it’s more than a home but a museum of some sort. Joyce’s two-story, three-bedroom masterpiece just captivated everybody!
Finalized And Sold In No Time
With all of the details known, and Joyce’s secret treasure revealed, Gladys and Carla Spizzirri was finally able to come up with their final assessment. The property was listed at $699,000 and ended up selling in no time.
The new owner of this striking row house has snapped up a gem, but no one will ever forget the perfectly preserved ’50s time capsule that Joyce put together inside her Toronto home. It looked like a simple brick house from the outside but was transformed by her hands, delightfully surprising everyone that came across her tale.
A Spark Of Creativity Worth Remembering Forever
Although it was initially challenging to turn away from the place she called home for 72 years, Joyce welcomed the change with open arms in the end. The 96-year-old has moved into a retirement home and is spending her remaining time not doing all the hard work that comes with keeping a home so precious.
Meanwhile, Gladys and Carla Spizzirri closed the sale, knowing they had done a great job by leaving another customer smiling. As for us and the rest of the world, we have been rewarded with seeing one of the best vintage interior design themes ever, as if Joyce also welcomed us in her own home.