23 Benjamin Street PARKVILLE

Comments on 23 Benjamin Street PARKVILLE

Homes in Parkville are rare as hens’ teeth, and when they come up are likely to spark plenty of interest among investors, singles and couples wishing to purchase close to the city. While this home is not in the absolute best pocket of Parkville, it is in the triangle between Royal Park, the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. This had me really wanting to like the property, and first impressions didn’t disappoint. The home has a frontage slightly broader than the average five metres, and is set amidst rows of pretty terraces on both sides of the street. A recent renovation included a large open-plan living/dining area and a kitchen with oodles of natural light streaming in from a light well, as well as views to the rear entertaining deck. However, two of the bedrooms are disappointing, as they do not have windows but instead depend on skylights for the admission of natural light. The bathroom configuration is also weak, with a small powder room (including a shower) off the hallway acting as the family bathroom. The position of the bathroom eats into the space of the third bedroom, which is further compromised by a small ensuite and adjoining walk-in-robe – neither of which work particularly well. These factors will likely have buyers carefully considering the all-important comfort factor. On the plus side, a garage for one car can be accessed from a good (3.9 metre-wide) laneway. Other concerns are the positioning of the laundry in the garage, and having University High at the end of the street. The question is: how will such factors impact price, given the rarity of the offering?