Ennismore Gardens, London SW7

The Savills Blog

What makes London's garden squares so special?

Largely created during the Georgian and Victorian eras, for centuries London’s garden squares have been recognised as some of the capital’s most desirable places to live. Our havens of wildlife were designed to be used and enjoyed and the properties that surround them continue to be coveted by buyers from across the globe.

That garden squares exist today is largely down to the London Squares Preservation Act, which came into being in 1931 to protect and limit their use to ‘ornamental pleasure grounds or grounds for play, rest and recreation’. But what makes them so special?

As well as helping to foster a sense of community, they provide a feeling of bucolic tranquillity, while being minutes away from transport and shops.

Not surprisingly, the convenience of direct access to green space makes properties located on garden squares highly desirable – even more so in recent years.

Garden squares vary in terms of size and amenities. There are several squares, for example, with their own tennis courts (although sometimes separate permission is needed to use these facilities.)

Each garden square has a different character, so it’s all about finding the right one for you. Potential buyers should also look into the rules of each square as they can differ in such matters as whether dogs are permitted or ball games are allowed. 

Here are some of the finest garden square properties currently on the market.

 

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