Secret gardens in the city

As we enjoy what is promised to be a good summer after two years of washouts, thoughts are focused on spending time outdoors. It is at this time of year that London’s hidden green spaces start to come to life.

Tucked away in improbable places behind busy streets and imposing buildings are some of London’s most charming gardens, like the new water courtyards at The Armouries, part of Royal Arsenal Riverside on the banks of the River Thames in SE18.

The Armouries is the latest phase of Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance) Ltd’s major regeneration scheme Royal Arsenal Riverside, which revitalises a prime section of riverside land. At the heart of The Armouries are its central water courtyards, a tranquil retreat for residents to enjoy, which are newly completed ready for the promise of summer ahead. For more information, visit royal-arsenalriverside.co.uk.

The calming atmosphere of living next to water is well documented as a factor in reducing stress. Residents at The Armouries can take time out to unwind, enjoying the restful sound of the bubbling fountains in the lagoon. The render architectural facades are reflected in the water’s surface that is interspersed with fountains, which in turn echoes the expansive waters of the River Thames which run alongside the scheme.

The lagoon is planted with beds of tall bamboo plants and surrounded by a wooden deck which forms the terrace for the ground floor apartments. For summer dining al fresco, each home has its own spacious private balcony which spans the entire length of the property overlooking the water courtyard.

The Armouries offer a selection of one and two-bedroom architecturally-designed apartments and six rare three-bedroom mews houses. Interiors offer intelligently designed living space, complete with high quality specification, ample storage and fully fitted appliances.

Royal Arsenal Riverside’s excellent transport connections cut down the commuter journey and allow for all the more time to spend relaxing in the garden. The new DLR station in Woolwich provides journey times to London City Airport in 5 minutes, Canary Wharf in 20 minutes and Bank in 27 minutes. There is a Thames Clipper stop at the development, which allows frequent and fast connections to the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and London Bridge. And for those who want to continue to enjoy the outdoor life, cycle racks are available to all residents.

The future phases of the development promise plenty more in the way of open space, including a new public park that runs down to the banks of the Thames, to feature numerous landscaped areas and a new river walk. This is in addition to the existing landscaped park, Wellington Park, which is also home to a children’s playground area.

Prices of properties currently available at The Armouries start from £245,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £480,000 for a mews house. For further information, please contact the sales and marketing suite - open daily from 10.00am until 6.00pm and until 8.00pm on Thursdays.

For more information, log on to Royal-arsenalriverside.co.uk.