When architect Jo Hagan snapped up a small plot sandwiched between two Victorian warehouses in Clerkenwell, he knew he’d have to be savvy with space. And so, on the site of an old cab office, he decided to build up seven spectacular storeys to create a soaring contemporary home. Inspired by the nearby skyscrapers of the City, its slick exterior is defined by steel and extensive glazing. Not only has this resulted in a building that stands in striking contrast to its neighbours, but it also means the interior spaces – which include a lobby, two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a pair of living rooms and a gym – are flooded with natural light. But the most precious jewel in this crown is the rooftop terrace, which has glorious panoramic views of the capital.

This newly built house offers a peaceful escape from the buzz of the city without having to leave zone two. It’s part of a trio of homes designed by MW Architects, which form a small development by Kindland, on a secluded gated plot near Brixton. (We’re also selling a second from this series – a converted coach house – which you can view here.) Thanks to its earthy colour palette and tactile material scheme – featuring poured concrete, limewashed walls and ply cabinetry – the living spaces have a calming effect. As does its private slice of outdoor space, which has been designed by GRDN and features a neat lawn and space for alfresco dining. (Those in pursuit of even more greenery can head to Brockwell Park, just a short walk away.) The house scores ample green points of the other kind though: it has a sedum roof, air-source heat pump and triple-glazed windows.

While this five-bedroom house has Edwardian bones, its façade and interiors are a lot more contemporary. Refurbished by Knox Bhavan (and shortlisted for a RIBA award and a Blueprint design award in 2015) the house has an exterior featuring terracotta sandstone that has been employed to mirror the silhouette of its neighbours. Inside, meanwhile, a refined combination of concrete, oak and bamboo creates a scheme that is at once thoroughly modern and homely, while soaring ceilings and big bay windows result in voluminous light-filled living spaces. A particular highlight here is the kitchen, which has a wide glazed door that opens to a lush garden and is the perfect spot to admire one’s plants, come rain or shine.

With its clean-lined, dark-brick exterior, this three-storey home – first built in the 1970s as a gatehouse to an industrial estate – stands out on a terrace of bay-fronted Victorian buildings. Having been redesigned by architects Dow Jones in 2003, the interiors are a minimalist’s dream, with clean white walls and understated flooring throughout. But the best thing about being inside this place is the way it connects to the outdoors. The open-plan dining and living area, for instance, leads to a tranquil courtyard, which is big enough for BBQs when the sun’s out. Meanwhile, the biggest of the three sleeping spaces has access to a second south-facing terrace with built-in seating – a bedroom worth fighting for.