Ask any child to draw a picture of a house and they will likely sketch out a neat rectangle with a pitched roof and – invariably – a central door with windows on either side.
The double-fronted home is stored somewhere in the imagination, and for many represents the ultimate in home ownership.
Though many such buildings are quietly deceptive, with walls that cut away on one side behind the façade, they tend to indicate greater space and a well-balanced layout of rooms.
Dual windows at the front also draw natural light deeper into the plan, or at least offer two bright receptions rather than one.
We've selected ten of the best on the London market now, from grand listed residences to workers-style cottages.
Nunhead, SE15
£895,000
This airy four-bedroom semi has a stylish bricked rear extension, plus solid wood floors and an appealing back garden. It's within walking distance of Nunhead and Brockley stations for Overground and Thameslink connections.
Dexters, 020 8742 4146
Catford, SE6
£700,000
A spacious three-bedroom Victorian home on a leafy street near pubs, shops and two stations. Perks include off-street parking, a bathroom on each floor and neutral, blank-canvas interiors. It's being sold without a chain.
Dexters, 020 8291 9556
Richmond, TW9
£3 million
This sensational Grade II-listed Georgian house was the former home of Victoria Woolf and husband Leonard and the birthplace of Hogarth Press. A comprehensive refurb has brought panelling and fireplaces back to former glory.
Inigo, 020 3687 3071
Hither Green, SE13
£550,000
This double-fronted house sits at the end of a gated row of cottage-style homes tucked away near Lewisham Park. There are two bedrooms and bathrooms, plus stripped wood floors and a patio garden.
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 3870 6385
Sydenham, SE26
£980,000
A distinctive Thirties house overlooking Sydenham Wells Park, with Crittall windows, stained glass and a mature garden that houses a shed and workshop. The converted garage has delivered a fourth bedroom.
Hamptons, 020 3873 1667
Brixton, SW2
£950,000
A picture-perfect end terrace house on the Brixton Clapham border, with two bedrooms, a secluded garden and, unusually, a utility space in an outbuilding. The building tapers sharply behind the façade, but there's still almost 1,200 square foot of space.
Hamptons, 020 3897 0623
Queen’s Park, W10
£575,000
This conservation area family home has four bedrooms of roughly equal size – useful for squabbling siblings. Handy for the Tube, it's seen a significant price reduction since it went on the market last year.
Marsh & Parsons, 020 7313 8350
Eltham, SE9
£550,000
A three-bedroom terrace minutes from Sutcliffe Park, with a huge garden, off-road parking and plenty of built-in storage in the bedrooms and reception. The smallest bedroom overlooking the garden would make an ideal home office.
Dexters, 020 8815 2210
Acton, W3
£800,000
A well-proportioned three-bedroom house set back from the road, within walking distance of an Elizabeth Line station for speedy commuting. There's no chain, but it likely requires some cosmetic updates.
Rolfe East, 020 3835 5149
Plumstead, SE18
£475,000
A deceptively spacious four-bedroom terraced house close to the high street, Common and mainline station. There's a second reception room and a downstairs WC, plus a secluded and low-maintenance patio garden.
