Step outside: homes with al fresco social spaces
Fire up the barbecue, put the drinks on ice and invite your friends around. Summer’s the time to make the most of outdoor space and al fresco entertaining.
A perennial favourite on property buyers’ wish lists, outdoor space is a hugely desirable asset. It doesn’t have to be a sprawling garden either. A roof terrace, balcony or courtyard can be transformed into an inviting entertainment zone with simple styling, garden furniture and accessories.
On a warm summer’s day, there’s no feeling like stepping out into your garden or onto your terrace and feeling the warm breeze. Your shoulders drop instantly, and you start to unwind from the challenges of the day. Add friends and family to that mix for a perfect summer’s evening.
Here we showcase five properties with showstopping outdoor spaces, perfect for summer social gatherings.
Six bedroom home, Bristol, BS8
This elegant Grade II listed townhouse in Hope Square, Bristol boasts five storeys of spacious accommodation with period features. From the first, second and third floors, you can enjoy great views across Dundry Hill and the Ashton Court Estate. But climb to the top of the house and step out onto the roof terrace for remarkable, panoramic views across Bristol.
Back on ground level, you can discover the pretty rear garden. There’s a flagstone patio outdoor dining area, beautifully covered by a pergola entwined with climbers. From here you can admire the attractive local architecture, as well as the array of plants and shrubs in the garden.
For larger gatherings or family games of cricket or rounders, head to the green across the road which is solely for residents’ use. Guide price: £1,450,000
Three bedroom penthouse, London SE16
The epitome of contemporary urban sophistication, this stylish penthouse in a former London warehouse is an absolute gem. From your fifth floor position, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view across Rotherhithe Village and beyond to the city.
With its neutral decor and vast windows, this light-filled apartment emanates serenity. The open design of the space flows seamlessly both between the kitchen and living areas and out onto the large terrace – a veritable oasis in the city. It’s a perfect vantage point for evening sundowners, watching the London skyline come alight as the sun fades. Asking price: £1,675,000
Four bedroom house, Cobham, Surrey
This handsome semi-detached Edwardian home near Cobham High Street is extremely well-presented throughout. The living area’s bright, spacious and welcoming with a working fireplace.
As you enter the stylish, modern kitchen, your eyes are drawn to the glass doors on the rear wall. Open these wide, and you step into a truly spectacular garden. The multi-level terraced garden has been superbly designed into two zones. There’s the paved zone for dining, entertaining and relaxing. Beyond that is the lawned area, ideal for family fun and games. There’s also a secluded garden room which makes a great office, gym, studio or retreat.
At night, the garden’s transformed by its remote lighting system to set the ambience. It’s a wonderful setting for social gatherings, or even a garden disco. Guide price: £1,250,000
Five bedroom house, Tonbridge, Kent
This impressive five bedroom, landmark property is incredibly private and secluded whilst being less than a mile from Tonbridge High Street. After extensive, painstaking renovations, this magnificent family home seamlessly combines period features with modern styling. It oozes grandeur and an abundance of space.
There’s also a large, two storey detached ancillary building which could be used in myriad ways, for work, entertainment or as an additional income stream.
The 0.5 acre landscaped garden is both a tranquil space and ideally suited to social gatherings. There’s an outdoor kitchen, complete with pizza oven, on the expansive paved area outside the house. A generous lawned area makes a good play zone. And then beyond the mature trees, there’s a wood-burning sauna that looks back across the property’s green space. And relax… Guide price: £2,150,000
Two bedroom flat, Birmingham, B3
In the heart of Birmingham’s ever-popular Jewellery Quarter, SETL is a stunning new development of 102, one and two bedroom apartments by HBD. With its central location, contemporary design and convenient amenities, it’s ideally suited to first-time buyers.
Each apartment has high spec interiors, modern styling and open plan living. When it’s time to relax, you don’t have to slump on the sofa. There’s a wellness studio, exclusively for residents, as well as a beautifully designed roof terrace. A sublime spot on a summer’s evening, you can drink in the wonderful views of central Birmingham. With the city centre on one side, and the attractive St Paul’s Square (Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian square) on the other, you can admire the new and old aspects of the city from your home vantage spot. Asking price: £282,875
