The coronavirus pandemic and its associated lockdowns made millions of Londoners crave access to green space.
While some made the decision to up sticks and leave the Capital, others found solace in London’s many parks, forests and uplifting garden squares.
In 2019 London became the world’s first National Park City, which is not especially surprising given the Capital has around 3,000 parks of varying sizes, resulting in almost one-fifth of the entire city (18%) being regarded a public open space.
The jewels in London’s green crown are its eight Royal Parks, which in size order are Richmond Park (955 hectares), Bushy Park (445 hectares), Regent’s Park (166 hectares), Hyde Park (142 hectares), Kensington Gardens (111 hectares), Greenwich Park (74 hectares), Green Park (47 hectares) and St James’s Park (23 hectares).
These inner-city havens are some of London’s most popular attractions for both tourists and residents alike, so it makes sense that they are surrounded by an abundance of fantastic properties, from flats to maisonettes, townhouses to expansive family homes.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best options currently on the market for those who want a Royal Park on their doorstep.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is so extensive that it borders numerous London areas, from Roehampton to Barnes, Kingston Vale to Wimbledon. The park itself is famous for its deer herds and roads which are perfect for cycling, and it is surrounded by some absolutely sensational properties.
If you’re seeking something infused with charm, this two-bedroom flat in Kingston, currently listed at £800,000, could be exactly what you’re looking for. Set within a gated development, this property has a wonderful living area, a large eat-in kitchen, and comes with access to a resident-only gym and swimming pool. With direct views over Richmond Park, this is a quiet sanctuary mere minutes from the buzz of London proper.
Bushy Park
Teddington, which is one of the suburbs that borders Bushy Park, was recently named the best place to live in London by the Sunday Times, and that accolade is firmly supported by the selection of fabulous properties that surround the most westerly of the Royal Parks.
This three-bedroom flat in Hampton Court not only overlooks Bushy Park, but also the River Thames, so to say that it’s in a desirable location is something of an understatement. Currently listed at £700,000, and coming complete with a balcony, underground parking and a spacious reception room, this is the kind of property that doesn’t come on the market often.
Located close to the many amenities of Teddington, this lovely two-bedroom flat is ideal for first-time buyers. Listed at £300,000, and containing a terrific kitchen, open-plan reception room and impressive master bedroom, this is a great opportunity to live in one of London’s most revered areas.
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is home to numerous attractions, with tennis courts, an open air theatre, well-tended gardens, a boating lake and London Zoo being just some of its lures. It is also surrounded by a plethora of tube stations and bus stops, so regardless of where in London you want to visit, you’ll be able to get there in short shrift.
The first property to highlight is this exceptional studio flat that is not only close to Regent’s Park, but is also just minutes from Baker Street and Marylebone stations. Located on the fourth floor of a smart residential building, and with a modern kitchen complete with in-built appliances, this property is currently on the market for £365,000.
This stunning two-bedroom apartment, currently listed at £1,250,000, is as elegant as it is convenient. Located on the seventh floor, which enables splendid views of the Capital, and with a striking reception room that is bright, spacious and airy, this is a property that needs to be viewed in person to be properly appreciated.
Hyde Park
Arguably London’s most popular open space, Hyde Park is home to the Serpentine, Speakers’ Corner, a number of memorials and an impressive selection of cafes, and is also moments away from Oxford Street, London’s premier retail hub.
This exquisite one-bedroom flat offers period features, high ceilings and is located within an elegant period conversion. Listed at £1,200,000, this property is the perfect mix of convenience and style in one of the Capital’s most fashionable regions.
Three-bedroom homes in Mayfair don’t tend to stay on the market for long, and this superb flat, currently listed at £2,995,000, is an exceptional example of why such properties are so sought-after. Arranged on the fourth and fifth floors of a popular residential building, with a sleek kitchen, spacious reception room and three modern bathrooms, this is an outstanding opportunity to live in the very heart of London.
Kensington Gardens
Despite its size and location, Kensington Gardens is often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Hyde Park, but it is an open space with so much to offer. Once the private gardens of Kensington Palace, it contains the Albert Memorial, the Diana Memorial Playground, numerous bandstands, and is also Grade I listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
The first property to highlight is this sublime two-bedroom flat, located on the fourth (top) floor of a stunning period mansion block. With a beautiful front-aspect south-facing reception room with feature fireplace, sleek bathroom, modern kitchen and boasting double-glazed windows throughout, this is currently on the market for £1,150,000.
If you’re seeking something truly extraordinary, this four-bedroom penthouse apartment, which is finished to an exceptional standard throughout, might be just what you are after. Set in a gorgeous period property, and with an in-built multi-media control system, a striking selection of bedrooms, a capacious reception room and an incredible modern kitchen, this astonishing property is currently listed at £6,950,000.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich, famed the world over for its naval history, its pioneering observatory and for being the home of the meridian line, is also able to boast one of London’s most remarkable parks. Greenwich is routinely referred to as having an inner-city village vibe, so if that’s what you are looking for, these two properties are liable to be right up your street.
First up we have a Grade II townhouse set over four floors that is awash with historic charm. With four bedrooms, a delightful private garden, two bathrooms, a dining room with exposed beams and a feature fireplace, this is a truly delightful property. It is currently listed at £1,200,000.
The next highlighted property close to Greenwich Park is this stunning architect-designed three-bedroom property that simply oozes sophistication. Containing an aluminium kitchen with hewn granite worktops and integrated Miele appliances, air conditioning, underfloor heating, photovoltaic solar panels and a spacious open-plan reception room with suspended log burner, this property, currently on the market for £2,500,000, is undeniably unique.
Green Park
The go-to location for central London office workers looking for a quiet place to enjoy their lunch break, Green Park benefits from being close to a number of London’s most iconic locations, including The Ritz, the Mall, Constitution Hill and the Bomber Command Memorial. It is also surrounded by a fine selection of properties.
Located in the heart of Mayfair, one of London’s chicest areas, this two-bedroom property is spacious, refined and perfectly situated. Set in a lovely residential building that benefits from porter services and a lift, and able to boast a kitchen with in-built appliances, a bright reception room and a master bedroom with en-suite, this property is on the market for £1,700,000.
St James’s Park
St James’s Park is, despite being overlooked by Buckingham Palace, rarely given the admiration it warrants. Though the smallest of London’s Royal Parks, it packs a hefty punch, with a number of beautiful ponds, an array of fountains and statues, squirrels so tame that they will routinely eat food out of one’s hands, and even a pod of pelicans – that’s right, pelicans! Of course, we’re here to take a look at nearby properties, and luckily there are a number of excellent options in the vicinity.
This contemporary one-bedroom flat, situated within a grand mansion block which offers porter services, is an outstanding property right in the heart of Westminster. The bedroom comes with fitted wardrobes, while the apartment also features a sleek kitchen with integrated appliances, a modern reception room and a wonderfully cosy bathroom. It is currently on the market at £850,000.
Also in Westminster is this astonishing five-bedroom mid-terrace property arranged over six floors. With a grand entrance hall, a rather special dining room, a contemporary kitchen with island, a master suite with adjoining bathroom and a reception room containing eye-catching parquet flooring, this house, listed at £4,750,000, is something very different indeed.
Looking to buy or sell a London property? Get in touch with Foxtons today and we can help you every step of the way.
