City gardens
Welcome to the urban jungle
City dwellers are just as keen to find their own patch of greenery as country folk – whether that’s access to communal gardens, their own secluded patio area, or a windowsill just big enough for potted herbs – and, when it comes to new homes, developers are clearly taking note.
So, if you’re searching for an existing property or a new-build home with an outdoor oasis, there are plenty of options right here in the capital. Here’s our pick of the best in show…
The gastronomic delights of Trullo, Prawn On The Lawn, Ottolenghi and The Smoke House are all close by to this Grade II-listed, five-bedroom townhouse. Arranged over five floors, the accommodation includes a master bedroom with en suite and dressing room, and views of the south-facing garden.
OUTDOOR OASIS When you’re not dining at one of the illustrious establishments nearby, this paved garden with sunken seating area will provide an ideal spot for al fresco entertaining. And there’s no need to fret about the unpredictable English weather: when storm clouds gather, guests can shelter in the bijou garden room.
Within walking distance of Bushy Park and Hampton railway station is this detached family home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, three reception rooms and award-winning gardens.
OUTDOOR OASIS A winner of the Richmond Borough in Bloom gold award, this south-east-facing garden is divided into five ‘rooms’, including a decked area with seating, ponds surrounded by grasses and shrubs, and an African-style thatched gazebo.
This West London development will consist of 808 homes set around a new garden square, featuring one- to three-bedroom apartments, penthouses, and four- and five-bedroom townhouses. In the Clubhouse, residents will have access to a 20-metre swimming pool, health spa, gym, lounge and bar, and cinema room.
OUTDOOR OASIS Designed by garden landscaper and Chelsea Flower Show winner Andy Sturgeon, the green spaces will take inspiration from the historic garden squares of West London, with the principal square stretching 80 metres and partially enclosed with traditional ornamental railings.
Light fills this elegant, semi-detached Victorian property, thanks to the high ceilings and large sash windows, and period features can be found throughout. The Grade II-listed property houses six bedrooms, four bathrooms and two reception rooms – and includes front and rear gardens, garage and off-street parking.
OUTDOOR OASIS Mature shrubs and perfect-for-privacy trees create a secluded feel in this formal garden. A low box hedge provides a neat edging to the borders and a large lawn area provides sunny and sheltered areas, to suit sun-worshippers and shade-lovers alike.
Petersham offers a semi-rural existence on the south side of the Thames, and this five-bedroom home could be just right for a family hankering after a country life. The property includes a drawing room with working fireplace, formal dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, conservatory, family room, study and cloakroom.
OUTDOOR OASIS Entertaining guests in the summer months would be a breeze thanks to the large rear garden – complete with swimming pool, sauna, summer house, and converted two-storey coach house.
Located in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes is this red-brick mansion flat with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception rooms and access to Green Street’s communal gardens. Occupying the ground and lower-ground floors, the apartment benefits from air conditioning, underfloor heating, solid stone worktops and Crestron audio-visual and lighting control.
OUTDOOR OASIS Despite millions getting a glimpse of one of London’s gated gardens in the infamous ‘whoops-a-daisy’ scene in Notting Hill, these treasured sanctuaries are still surrounded by mystique. Green Street’s secret garden has two formal lawns, encircled by paved seating areas.
Just moments from Hampstead Heath is this eight-bedroom behemoth. A four-storey, end-of-terrace Victorian house, it boasts an open-plan kitchen/diner, two bathrooms, a shower room, two balconies and a south-facing garden.
OUTDOOR OASIS Proving that a garden sans lawn can be just as lush and green, this paved hideaway makes the most of every inch – with raised beds, large containers and an arbour, all overflowing with verdant foliage. There’s even room for some hens.
Welcoming the outside in, this two-bed apartment’s ‘glass box’ reception room opens out onto a large paved area with raised beds. A two-minute walk from Chiltern Firehouse and Marylebone High Street, other benefits include valet parking, a private residents’ lounge and dining room, residents’ gym and 24-hour concierge service.
OUTDOOR OASIS When barbecue weather hits, friends will be eager to soak up the sun in this sociable dining space. And, when the weather turns, it will be equally enjoyable to watch the garden’s ever-changing colour palette from the other side of the glass.
CRAWFORD STREET, MARYLEBONE W1 – £2,495,000
www.sandfords.com
Home to former Chelsea Flower Show winner Stephen Woodhams, this contemporary penthouse apartment comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms and one reception room, and is close to Marylebone High Street.
OUTDOOR OASIS Filled with potted plants and comfy seating, this property’s 50ft decked roof terrace is an urban utopia – a place to contemplate far-reaching views of the city away from the crowds.