What to do when you want to live in a central London location, but also want the joys of a green open space? Have your proverbial cake and eat it, by ensuring your home is one of the lucky few in London that has access to a private garden square. Designed by the Victorians to bring a slice of countryside living to the city centre, garden squares have long been a part of London’s landscape, but since the pandemic have become all the more desirable as people re-evaluate the importance of outdoor space. From Marylebone to Belgravia, these are the finest properties currently for sale with access to a private garden square.

Park Crescent, W1B

Those living on Park Crescent could consider Regents Park an extension of their garden, given how close in proximity they are to one another, but residents on this street are also lucky enough to have access to a communal outdoor space, which provides a barrier between the properties and the bustle of Marylebone Road. This particular split-level, two-bedroom apartment is located in a Grade I-listed building that dates back to 1820 and has been completely rebuilt to an exceptional standard. The property is available to buy as seen, with contemporary furnishings, bespoke joinery and integrated tech. In addition to the private garden square, residents of the building have access to a library, cinema room, 20-metre swimming pool, private gym, spa and secure underground parking.

£5.95m, harrodsestates.com

Kensington Park Gardens, W11

There are private garden squares, and then there are private garden squares. Ladbroke Square Gardens is the largest of its kind in London, and is accessible to properties on the four surrounding streets. Those on Kensington Park Gardens, however, arguably have the best advantage of all, as these houses back onto the square and can therefore access the space through their very own gardens. This Grade II-listed townhouse is one such property. Designed to maximise on space, the family home offers 7,773 sq ft across six floors, with seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, a large kitchen and an elevated glass wine room among its highlights. While the house has its own share of private outdoor space – there’s a spacious balcony on the first floor and a large garden to the rear on the ground floor – the standout feature is the gate at the end of the lawn, which provides access to one of the best residents-only garden squares in the capital.

£29m, knightfrank.co.uk

Eccleston Square, SW1V

This 12-bedroom house in Eccleston Square was recently renovated, with all electrical systems and plumbing replaced with modern, eco-friendly alternatives. The property’s original detailing has been sensitively restored, while modern upgrades have been chosen to work in harmony with the building’s heritage features, from bespoke Jackson Pine joinery in the kitchen to Marazzi marble bathrooms, natural oak herringbone parquet floors and glass balustraded staircases. There are two generous terraces to enjoy, but those looking for more space can slip outside to the private square, where landscaped gardens, residents-only tennis courts and a children’s playground can be found.

£9.95m, savills.com

Chapel Street, SW1X

Those not content with this Chapel Street townhouse’s three spacious and south-facing terraces will be pleased to hear that the property also has access to nearby Belgrave Square’s private gardens, so there’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. Recently refurbished, the period property has been updated with modern amenities, including air conditioning in all principal rooms, a large media room and a passenger lift to the second floor. There are six ensuite bedrooms in total, one of which is currently being used as a dressing room.

£10.95m, harrodsestates.com

Edwardes Place, W8

When Edwardes Square was built between 1818 and 1819, it was considered unusual for its time thanks to its winding paths and informal design. This character survives today in the mature flower beds, wooded glades and serpentine walkways that bring colour and charm to the space. The residents of this Edwardes Place house are among those who can enjoy the gardens. Grade II listed and retaining many of its period features, the property has six bedrooms, three bathrooms and three reception rooms spread across five floors, with a large south-facing garden to the rear and a terrace on the first floor.

£6.5m, savills.com

Montpelier Square, SW7

This six-bedroom house boasts one of the best positions on Montpelier Square, facing south and directly overlooking the private gardens. Arranged over six floors, the family home has been completely refurbished with modern interiors, air conditioning and a passenger lift to the second floor. There are three large reception rooms on the lower-ground, ground and first floors, all of which have access to the glass roof atrium or the rooftop terrace.

£10.95m, harrodsestates.com

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