So much for summer. A comprehensive washout has seen London gardens go largely unused for a month or more, though most would concede we’ve had it easier than the continent.
But climbing temperatures and clearer skies suggest it might be rescued yet — cue the annual rush to London’s public rooftop gardens.
The holy grail of a heatwave, of course, is your own private terrace, with little need for dutiful weeding or careful screening from overzealous neighbours.
Stacked on top of rear extensions, garages or said neighbour’s kitchen, these secluded retreats often make smart use of dead space, turning them into bonus zones for entertaining, growing vegetables or grabbing a moment in the sun.
We’ve selected 10 of the best homes with private rooftop terraces for sale now, from bijou suntraps to crowning glories.
Dalston, E8
£750,000
A three-bedroom maisonette in a leafy crescent, minutes from the shops and bars of Kingsland Road. Well-maintained interiors include a contemporary kitchen, and there’s a built-in brick planter on the generous roof terrace.
Chestertons, 020 3872 5245
Highbury, N5
£965,000
This characterful three-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a smart Victorian conversion – typical of the area – has a flexible layout and a large roof terrace accessed by a spiral staircase. It’s on with a share of the freehold.
Savills, 020 7354 6713
Willesden Green, NW2
£475,000
A split-level church conversion apartment near the open green space of Gladstone Park, with vaulted ceilings, original windows and a decked terrace tucked between roofs. There’s no onward chain.
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 3873 1144
South Kensington, SW7
£7.25 million
This high-spec penthouse near South Kensington’s museums is includes three en-suite bedrooms, as well as a dressing room, utility room and a small gym. The remarkable panoramic roof terrace has stepped levels and a built-in hot tub.
Dexters, 020 7838 0108
Ladbroke Grove, W10
£600,000
A bright one-bedroom flat occupying the top floor of a period conversion, with sold wood floors and a large brick-walled terrace overlooking the rooftops. It offers quick access to the Central, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.
Chestertons, 020 3040 8585
Camberwell, SE5
£950,000
This stylish three-bedroom penthouse is split across the seventh and eight floors of an attractive modern block in the heart of Camberwell, within easy walking distance of Burgess Park. Bi-fold doors connect the living area with an enormous wraparound terrace.
The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Battersea, SW11
£1.5 million
This new-build end of terrace house near Clapham Common has almost 2,000 square feet of living space over four floors, including three bedrooms and two receptions. There’s a balcony on the second floor and a full-width roof terrace at the top.
Rampton Baseley, 020 3889 9134
Walworth, SE17
£1 million
A two-bedroom top floor apartment with 1,000 square feet of living space, including a 4.2 metre high reception room and a huge roof terrace split across two levels. Secure parking is included, as is a share of the freehold.
My London Home, 020 3869 5872
Queen’s Park, NW6
£850,000
There are six stations within a fifteen minute walk of this two-bedroom maisonette, which occupies the first and second floors of a smart period home. The decked terrace has attractive metal railings and views across open green space.
Knight Frank, 020 3869 4758
Putney, SW15
£400,000
Well-proportioned one-bedroom flat split across the first and second floor of a house minutes from Putney station, with wood floors and exposed brick hearth. The roof terrace, accessed from the bathroom, is a sun trap.
