Agents are traditionally quick to big up proximity to parks – bonus points if it's Hampstead Heath or Richmond – which time and time again are named as one of London's biggest draws.
But there is something gloriously Secret Garden-esque about wandering down the garden and through your very own portal into the local park, playing field or even golf course.
From residents' only woodland at the heart of the Dulwich estate to a Clink Street warehouse with direct access to the Thames riverbank right in the centre of town, these homes all benefit from insider access.
Crystal Palace, SE19
£800,000
An Austin Vernon & Partners-designed family home in a popular Crystal Palace estate with access to residents woodland. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a third WC and study downstairs.
eXp, 03304 609968
Chiswick, W4
£1.925 million
This unusual contemporary townhouse has a personal jetty on to the Thames at the end of the garden, which the current owners use for paddleboarding. There are striking waterside views from full-width windows.
Savills, 020 8987 5550
Highbury, N5
£950,000
A spacious two-bedroom flat with utility room and flexible study area overlooking Highbury Fields. The garden features mature subtropical trees and a side gate onto the park.
Neilson & Bauer, 020 7226 0626
Twickenham, TW1
£399,950
A one-bedroom apartment in Thirties block with lift, porterage and bike storage, plus a stretch of private riverside grounds. It's also within walking distance of the mainline station.
Antony Roberts, 020 8891 3209
Bankside, SE1
£4.15 million
This almost 3,000 square foot warehouse on historic Clink Street has a huge cellar and direct access onto the Thames riverbank from the original loading doors. It includes a share of the freehold.
Caddingtons, 020 3763 8703
Enfield, E2
£700,000
This three-bedroom semi with detached garage has an 80 foot garden leading onto Enfield's Bush Hill Park Golf Course. It's situated on a quiet cul-de-sac and is being sold chain-free.
Barnfields, 020 3907 2775
Primrose Hill, NW3
£25 million
A sensational period home on the north side of Primrose Hill, with direct access to the park from a back garden gate. It's on the market for the first time in 40 years and in need of modernisation.
Aston Chase, 020 3907 3538
Sydenham, SE26
£1.495 million
This renovated Dulwich Estate townhouse has five bedrooms, includes one in the converted loft. There's access to extensive communal lawns and woodland from the back garden.
The Modern House, 020 3834 8558
Forest Hill, SE23
£750,000
A modernist four-bedroom house with coveted parquet floors, a garage and a good-size south facing rear garden, plus access to private woodland shared by the estate.
Pedder, 020 3869 5048
Hampstead, NW3
£1.25 million
A spacious two-bedroom flat within a smart period home, with utility room, second WC and direct access to Hampstead Heath from the garden gate. It's being sold with a share of the freehold.
