In a lockdown, even the smallest slither of outdoor space would suffice for many of us and this loft apartment in Clerkenwell delivers just that: an extended balcony with enough room to accommodate an alfresco dinner. The lack of lawns or trees doesn’t come at the expense of a connection to nature, however. The enviable prospect of the flat has uninterrupted views over the greenery of St. Luke’s Park, while the terrace is lined with shrub-filled planters.

Holly Grove is a run of Grade II-listed Regency-style townhouses overlooking a small planted garden in Peckham. With no facing neighbours and only the shrubbery to look onto, the houses on this street enjoy a rare prospect in London: green views out of both aspects.

The owners of this home have made the most of such a position, adding a sunken ‘room’ in the south-facing garden, seamlessly flowing out of the living spaces to have as direct access to the outdoors as possible. Beyond that, an expanse of lawn, bordered by espalier apple trees and bamboo, makes for a wonderful sun trap come the warmer months.

A garden with a central London postcode? Yes please. Especially when it’s as charming as at this Georgian terrace on Roupell Street, one of London’s best-kept historic streets and now a conservation area.

Being in the heart of town comes with a need for privacy and seclusion, less the hubbub of the city makes itself known while you’re trying to relax in nothing but your shorts on the sunlounger. Here, tranquillity comes by way of an enclosed wall courtyard garden, which is accessed via double doors from the dining room to form a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in the countryside.  

No opportunity for a lawn? No problem. As this house, located in the thick of it near Brixton Village proves, all that is needed for some solace from the hustle of the city is a small, well-kept courtyard. Double doors open out onto the enclosed space, where lush planting includes climbing plants, shrubs and rose bushes – a verdant scene that echoes the more-is-more interior approach.

A slender street-facing elevation does little to give away the expansive garden it conceals at this Selencky Parsons project in New Cross. The plan widens to the rear, allowing for a wide patio area with outdoor sofas and dining table, forming a natural extension to the interior living spaces in the summer thanks to glazed doors.

The lesson here is, just like how different rooms in your house are assigned for different purposes, so too can be the case with outdoor spaces. A lawn area divides the first terrace connected to the house with a second area complete with a sofa and firepit for cosy late nights spent under starlight. Upstairs, a roof terrace connected to a bedroom makes for a private sunbathing retreat, or cocktail spot come 5pm. 

Gardens don’t just have to open out from kitchens and living rooms. For a true sense of respite from urban life, and a feeling of waking up with nature, why not position your bedroom to be garden-facing? Take inspiration from Agatha and Robert Appleton-Sas, who planted pleasant-smelling shrubs to create an oasis from urban life in Bristol.

“Positioned at the back of the house is the bedroom, a quiet and calm room with excellent natural light. The original sash window has been retained with a second pair of Crittall doors opening out to a border of lavender and rosemary lining the terrace and a fragrant wall of honeysuckle climbing to one side,” says Robert.