The Lost House was previously an alleyway in King’s Cross and originally featured only one external window. For leading architect David Adjaye, this challenge was met by the creation of courtyard-cum-light wells throughout the plan, which draw the eye through the space and offer a striking contrast to the exposed concrete and dark timber frame.

The current owners have preserved much of the original design, finding it serene and calming, but one area where they have embraced change is by planting trees in each courtyard to build up the greenery. In doing so, they’ve added a sense of depth and life, bringing the outside in.

What could be more luxurious in a London home than a void of tranquil outdoor space? The answer is one that also houses an outdoor shower. This monastic courtyard is softened by the ripple of pebbles underfoot and the majestic floor-to-ceiling arched windows and door.

A single Acer enlivens this concrete-walled courtyard to great effect. The result is a spectacular vision of minimalist restrain, a theme throughout the house thanks to the Japanese-inspired design by architectural firm t-sa.

Designed in 1973 by Robin Wilson, this house in Seasalter was created with focus placed firmly on its secluded central courtyard. Three sides of the layout open up to a paved square, which not only fills each room of this family home with natural daylight but also affords a lively interplay between spaces. In warmer months the ceiling-height sliding doors open up, offering seamless continuity to cook, dine, play or simply rest in this private oasis.

“I think the courtyard is the thing that knocks you over every time. It creates a very calm, peaceful atmosphere,” said owner Kim Hill when we visited.

Private mews in Notting Hill? Check. Roll top bath in the master bedroom? Check. Walk-in closet? Yes, check again. This three-bedroom house in the sought-after Bayswater conservation area is probably just how you imagine the dream west London home to be, complete with an expansive open-plan kitchen with poured concrete floor and exposed beams.

Yet despite the treasures that lie within, the current owners can’t help but gravitate out of the French double doors and into a calming, plant-filled nook, perfect for evening drinks and lazy lounging. And when they need a change of scenery, Kensington Gardens is a short three-minute stroll away.

For architect Rupert Scott and interior designer Leo Wood, residing in an east London converted gin distillery meant ample indoor space but very little room for a traditional garden. Instead, the considered design by Rupert’s architecture firm Open Practice Architecture incorporated not one but four courtyards, one of which was cleverly cut into the darkest corner to allow light to pour into the space.

Each of the enclosed terraces offer a framed view of lush planting that can be near impossible to achieve in this built up area of the city. By creating pockets of green on differing levels, Rupert and Leo have created the illusion that their home is surrounded by nature – “It’s funny that we always assume that the point of outdoor space is about being outside but, actually, often it’s about a buffer zone between you and the city,” says Rupert.