Patch Up: eight of the best London homes with gardens

Whether it be a sunny spot to enjoy your morning coffee or a place for “no-dig” experiments, there is something particularly restorative about having a sliver of outdoor space to call your own – especially in the capital. As we head into winter, the idea of long alfresco lunches may seem like a distant memory, but invest in a home with a well-designed garden now and you’ll reap the rewards come spring. From a low-maintenance garden in Islington with its very own studio to a small walled garden in Brixton, here’s eight of the best homes with gardens currently for sale in London.

Orchard Rise, London CR10

There is plenty to delight at this Art Deco house in Croydon, not least the original Crittall windows and 1930s fireplaces. However, the vast garden has to be one of the most remarkable elements, cocooning the detached house on all sides. South-facing, with a large expanse of lawn, it is peppered with mature trees, beds of shrubs, patio areas and finished with a handy shed. Best of all? It contains a charming playhouse built by architect Sydney Gubby for his children when he designed the home. There is an equally impressive roof terrace too, which stretches across the footprint of the entire house on the second floor and provides far-reaching views of the city. This was also built by Gubby, an amateur astronomer, so is perfect for a spot of midnight stargazing.

Terborch Way, London SE22

Forming part of the Dutch Estate in Dulwich, this two-bedroom 1960s house comes with a south-facing garden, which is accessed through glazed double doors that open directly from the open-plan living space. A stretch of lawn is bordered by richly planted borders that line the perimeter and feature a mix of roses and camellias. The focal point, however, is at the rear, where a triangular decked patio area provides the ideal alfresco dining spot or a place to sit with a morning coffee. It benefits from being next to a wall, which provides shelter and a sense of privacy. Oh, and the local garden centre, Dulwich Pot and Plant Garden, is only a walk around the corner – perfect for when the garden needs pruning or extra plants.

Murray Street, London NW1

This joyful garden in Camden continues the eclectic feel of the three-bedroom home it accompanies. “The garden is like a small courtyard. I love it, it feels quite tropical,” artist Francesca Anfossi told us when we visited as part of our ‘Open House’ series. “The wall is covered in jasmine and it has an amazing smell. There’s a big bay leaf tree, which is very useful for cooking. There’s also agapanthus – I really like them, because they flower quite late.” The outdoor space is accessed through the spectacular conservatory, which is dotted with plants, blurring the boundaries between inside and out. On the lower ground floor, one of the bedrooms opens out onto another section of the garden – a small patio, which features a considered array of potted plants.

Ramilles Close, London SW2

Although not vast, the east-facing walled garden at this two-bedroom house in Brixton is cleverly conceived, featuring an olive tree and grasses in thoughtfully curated perimeter planters. Reached from the kitchen through a wall of floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors, the two spaces are paved in similar floor tiles, creating a seamless link between inside and out. A niftily positioned gate at the back of the garden provides rear access – ideal if you have a bike and don’t want to wheel it through the house.

St Hilda’s Road, London SW13

Reflecting the serene, Kettle’s Yard-inspired house that it adjoins, this small, peaceful garden courtyard in Barnes features white-painted walls and a fence of painted white wooden boards. Underfoot, terrazzo flooring extends from the garden into the kitchen, creating a pleasing continuity between the two spaces, especially when the glazed doors are open. A Japanese maple, planted at the centre, adds a splash of colour to the space, while bamboo provides privacy.

Ghost House I, Borland Road, London SE15

The joy of a raised garden is that it sits at eye level when you look out, as is the case with this garden in Nunhead that complements the contemporary three-bedroom house to which it belongs. Designed by architectural developers Fraher & Findlay, the garden flows out from the house – first onto a decked patio area that is ideal for dining in the summer months, then onto the raised lawn beyond with its plant and shrub-rich raised beds. The different sections trick the eye into thinking the space is larger than it is, as do the glazed doors through which it is reached.

Turlewray Close, London N4

This large garden in north Islington is remarkably low maintenance, with smart paving running its entire length. Fortuitously positioned at a slight angle that allows it to make the most of the sun, the garden is bordered on either side by raised brick beds, which are planted with mature fruit trees and herbs. Not only does this create a beautiful wall of green on either side, but it also provides effective privacy from the neighbouring houses. At the far end of the garden, a fully-equipped studio-cum-summer house contains an office, a kitchen and a WC, taking full advantage of the fact that this is, by all accounts, a rather generous London garden.

Kingston Road, London SW19

This expansive garden in Wimbledon has a distinct countryside feel to it, surrounded by mature apple, pear and plum trees. The flagstone patio is an ideal spot for sitting and eating outdoors; it leads onto a stretch of lawn, which snakes its way down to a brick wall at the end of the garden and is bordered by well-planted beds that offer year-round interest. It’s delightfully peaceful too, with neighbouring gardens on all sides and trees providing a dense screen.

NEWSLETTER
Home inspiration, delivered to your inbox
SUBSCRIBE

Related on The Modern House