23 Dean Street Kew – James Buyer Advocates

James Home Rating – 23 Dean Street

Score: 680 / 1000

This is a townhouse that succeeds where it could easily have failed. The block slopes away and faces south, which is usually a difficult starting point, yet the design largely overcomes those constraints. The standout feature is the window placement. Light, outlook, and connection have been handled with real intelligence, particularly through the rear living area where you can look back to the street, across to the northern aspect, and down toward the pool. It creates a sense of openness and calm that isn’t common on blocks like this.

The main living zone effectively sells the home. It feels high quality, well resolved, and genuinely pleasant to spend time in. Materials and finishes support that feeling rather than distract from it, and the overall environment reads as considered rather than forced. Upstairs accommodation has been handled sensibly: three proper bedrooms rather than trying to squeeze in four. The fourth room downstairs functions more as a study or secondary workspace given the bathroom access, which is a practical and honest outcome.

The lift is a bonus, but not a complete solution for mobility, as there are still short flights of stairs that break continuity. For most active buyers this won’t matter, but it’s worth noting. Overall, this is a strong example of thoughtful townhouse design, particularly given the inherent site challenges. It feels special, well executed, and clearly aimed at quality of living rather than box-ticking.

Considerations

Three good:

1. Exceptional window placement delivering light and outlook

2. High-quality living zone that defines the home

3. Sensible three-bedroom upstairs configuration

Three below average:

1. South-facing, sloping block limits flexibility

2. Lift does not fully eliminate level changes

3. Downstairs bedroom functions more as a study