Contrary to its uplifting name, Seaview Cottage is located far away from the coastline in De Beauvoir, north London. While there’s an absence of sandy shores nearby, you’d be forgiven for mistaking its pleasing courtyard for a far-flung tropical retreat. With banana trees providing shade as the sun moves throughout the day, along with wall climbing plants and a fig tree, this spot is truly an oasis in the city. Large glazed doors give way to the light-filled, open-plan living and kitchen area, so slipping inside for refreshments is no trouble at all. An outdoor setting like this is the ideal backdrop for a fruity cocktail or two – just what you need to really capture the spirit of summer.

Is there anything quite like being by the sea when the sun is high in the sky? After all, there’s little as appealing as blue waters paired with bluer skies. Mousehole in Cornwall plays host to this delightful seaside house, a carefully renovated fisherman’s cottage, where you can enjoy the tranquil coastal scenery and views of Mount’s Bay from the stone terrace. It also makes for a splendid alfresco dining spot – we recommend fresh seafood from the nearby fishing village of Newlyn. To cool down during peak heat, have a swim in the crystal clear waters ideally located a few minutes from the house, or alternatively, step inside and admire the nautical interiors.

Spending long summer days in the park is a pastime many of us relish, and this exceptional house is located on the very edge of one of London’s most beloved green spaces, Hampstead Heath. It’s surrounded by wildlife and has views of the boating and swimming ponds, meaning a refreshing dip is never far away. Prefer a more secluded space to appreciate the sunshine? There’s a peaceful dining patio and a separate garden shaded by a mature Monterey pine tree. The latter is reached through several glazed doors connecting the outdoor space to a wonderfully bright, circular conservatory – a particular highlight of this home – which welcomes sunshine in through the glass. Upstairs, there’s another space that sings in summer: the balcony, which has captivating views through the tree-tops.

This Grade II-listed, characterful countryside home has a south-facing garden that makes a wonderful spot for sun-filled picnics. Framed by flourishing shrubs and trees, the lawn has ample space for a large blanket topped with a jug of Pimms, bowls of freshly picked strawberries, and plates of quaint triangle sandwiches. Through the garden gate, you’ll find Downley Common, an area of bucolic grasslands and woods, which is well worth a wander on a warm summer’s day. Yet one of the most glorious places to enjoy the sunshine is in fact inside the home. On the ground floor, there’s a brilliant living space with French doors that open to the terrace and flood the space with natural sunlight. Here, the owners have cleverly positioned a swing seat – an exquisite reading spot when the sun is rising in the morning, or as it sets in the evening. 

A private roof terrace with far-reaching views of the London skyline is an idyllic sunbathing situation. And at the top of this bright and spacious townhouse in Belsize Park, north London, designed by resident and acclaimed architect Rick Mather, you’ll discover exactly that. The two-tier outdoor space and its plants have been nurtured by Rick and his partner for 30 years. There’s a BBQ, too, hidden in the chimney flume which sits opposite a thoughtfully placed seating area – such arrangement is a seamless and spectacular dining experience. Meanwhile, there’s also a garden that’s home to fig and lilac trees, plus a secluded patio that leads out from one of the bedrooms. Simply put, there are numerous places to take maximum advantage of sunshine here.