Summer Loving

The temperature’s rising, the barometer’s getting low, according to all sources - including The Met Office - there’s a heatwave predicted across the UK for the rest of the month. In celebration of this long-awaited sizzling summer, Abode2 looks at the what the UK market currently has to offer to find inspiration for ways to make the most of the warm weather from your own home.

Making a Splash

The first, and arguably the most classic, summer property feature is an outdoor swimming pool. A perfect way to cool off, get some exercise and to impress houseguests, private pools has always been popular and the popularity and demand for the ultimate luxury addition to a home grew during the heatwave last year.

This luxurious property is the perfect example, being designed around an elegant outdoor swimming pool, whilst also enjoying expertly coiffured grounds. At 6,070 square foot, Frognal is a stunning mansion in Hampstead comprising three properties – Elmpoint is the largest with eight bedrooms and four reception rooms, whilst Hollybank House, the cottage has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Lastly, there is Oakside, a self-contained studio apartment.  Every aspect of the largest property invites the residents to enjoy the outdoor space, with many rooms offering dual-aspect windows onto the tempting pool within this peaceful retreat of leafy Hampstead.

www.harrodsestates.com

Social Summer Spaces

For those looking for a more communal way to enjoy the British Summer, some luxury apartment developments have unique and social features, perfect for those summer evenings with the neighbours. Space within busy cities Greenford Quay in West London is big on social – residents can enjoy a BBQ terrace as well as an amphitheatre, screening a range of movies for warm summer nights.

At the newly launched development residents and the local community can enjoy the popular Summer Series of movie screenings at its amphitheatre beside the Grand Union Canal, as well as a barbeque terrace featuring a network of patios and loungers. Greenford Quay comprises 2,118 new homes with seven new residential buildings in Ealing, including the restored Art Deco Tillermans buildings that houses 379 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Apartments start at £1,330 per calendar month, with an additional pet rental cost of £75 per month.

www.greenfordquay.com

Cooling Off, Without Using a Door

Although outdoor pools have been growing in popularity, so have their indoor counterparts. When it gets too hot outside, some much prefer to head to an indoor pool. Not only a way to beat the heat over the summer, but a way to enjoy the poolside lifestyle all year round.

Knayton Lodge, an exceptional five-bedroom period residence, is set in beautiful gardens with an adjoining paddock and enjoys the stunning backdrop of the Hambleton hills. Alongside these outdoor enthusiast’s dream highlights, the home also features a lavish indoor swimming pool. Showing the perfect balance for the heart beating home feature. Knayton Lodge is a magnificent Georgian residence, which was originally a Bishop’s Manse, but it has been enlarged and aggrandised during the Victorian era. In more recent years the house has been further enhanced with the addition of a self-contained cottage created from a former stable block, now standing at over 6000 square feet in total. Knayton Lodge, Thirsk on the market with Carter Jonas for £1,800,000.

www.carterjonas.co.uk

Stepping Outside

Getting out and about and exploring the local area is the perfect way to spend a summers day. Weather for a picnic with friends, a leisurely stole or just berating in the fresh summers air, there are amazing green spaces that are just outside our doors.

Magna Carta Park, a new luxury private estate near Windsor, puts a huge emphasis on its outdoor facilities with manicured lawns, tennis courts and golf practice greens. Within the estate’s 57 acres, there is also a woodland trim trail, giving residents respite from the heat and space to enjoy the breath-taking views over Windsor Castle and historic Runnymede’s National Trust grounds. Homes start from £1.1million where the interiors are designed by Louise Bradley and quintessentially English architect Julian Bicknell.

www.magnacartapark.com

Top Tear Terraces

A Summers evening, watching the sun set over the horizon, sitting on top of the world is the ideal way to sign off a Summers day. Roof terraces adds an extra open, yet private, spaces to a home, away from the hustle and bustle of streets without the need for high walls

This 3-bedroom sub penthouse on the 10th floor of a modern, riverside development and spans 2,599 square foot - with a unique terrace offering more than 1,000 square feet of incredible outside space.  Imperial Wharf is a riverside development located on the border of Fulham and Chelsea offering 24-hour concierge and security. The shops, cafés and restaurants of Parsons Green and New Kings Road are both within walking distance. The Fulham apartment with roof-top terrace overlooking the Thames for £3,500,000

www.black-brick.com