Think you can size-up a semi from the street? You might just hit an iceberg.
Next time you take a cursory scroll through the cover pictures on Rightmove, consider the myriad clever ways that architects might maximise square footage, from classic loft conversions and rear extensions to radical basement excavations.
Then there are modern infill homes. Squeezed between boundaries or built on awkward plots, these buildings are usually required to be as unobtrusive as possible, meaning their public image often has little bearing on what they’ve got in the back.
We’ve hand-picked 10 London homes for sale with hidden depths.
Kentish Town, NW5
£900,000
This modern mews house is hidden behind a gated entrance minutes from Kentish Town station. There are three double bedrooms connected by a wide landing and an integrated garage, plus a second shower room and WC.
Rochester Place, 020 7284 4747
Lower Clapton, E5
£1.6 million
This classic Victorian home, close to Hackney Marshes, has been radically extended by architect owners to create a striking double height kitchen with a glazed ceiling. There are four bedrooms upstairs and a manageable rear garden.
ahm, 020 7126 8558
Acton, W3
£650,000
A new build three-bedroom mews in a cul-de-sac near Acton Central. An upside-down layout means the bright living area benefits from a high pitched ceiling and balcony access, while a nook in the downstairs hallway has space for a desk. It’s also chain-free.
Rolfe East, 020 8993 7755
Sydenham, SE26
£475,000
Nudging 1,000 square feet, this four-bedroom flat near Sydenham station comes with a host of practical perks, like a utility room, store and its own garage. There’s also shared access to a wraparound garden laid to lawn.
Barnard Marcus, 020 8776 9384
Beckton, E6
£400,000
An unusual ‘skinny house’ arranged over three floors, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan living area. Offered chain-free, it’s close to several parks and playing fields, as well as a large Sainsbury’s within a wider retail park.
Bairstow Eves, 020 3872 3729
Leytonstone, E11
£770,000
This detached Victorian home has five bedrooms, two of which are in the converted loft. Further highlights include feature fireplaces, a utility room and a secluded garden, plus bathrooms on all three floors. Leyton station is half a mile away.
Francis & Friends, 020 3476 9480
East Dulwich, SE22
£900,000
A two-bedroom maisonette with more than 1,000 square feet of space, hidden behind a classic period façade. Its vast kitchen, dining and living area features soundproof micro cement floors, bespoke oak joinery and Crittall doors which connect to the landing. It comes with a share of the freehold.
The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Barnes, SW13
£1.7 million
Sandwiched between the Thames and Barnes Common, this pretty terraced home has four floors of living space. A basement level includes a fourth bedroom, bathroom, utility space and courtyard, plus a large rear space currently set up as a playroom.
Property Partnership, 020 3834 8612
Walthamstow, E17
£850,000
A flexible four-bedroom semi with well over 2,000 sq ft of living space, including three receptions and an extra loft room. It benefits from close proximity to Epping Forest, as well as a recently replaced roof, windows and insulation.
The Stow Brothers, 0203 397 9797
Upper Norwood, SE19
£825,000
Close to the Crystal Palace Triangle, this end-of-terrace house has two large double bedrooms, plus two single rooms in the converted loft that could make a handsome pair of home offices. The decked garden is particularly low-maintenance.
