_Multi-generational living: London properties with annexes
Having family close by, for many, contributes to a sense of security and well-being, preventing social isolation as well a being a practical solution to saving money.
Going a step further, can Mediterranean style multi-generational living - different generations of the same family residing under one roof - be the antidote to loneliness, struggles getting on the property ladder or the high cost of care homes for seniors?
A number of people seem to think so. We take a tour of homes currently on the market that offer opportunities for multi-generational living through use of self-contained spaces or clever configurations.
Three bedroom house for sale in Battersea, SW11 with separate ground floor flat
A great opportunity to own this three-storey red brick house and ground floor flat, both with their own entrances. The main house offers 115 sq m of living space and includes a bright reception room with double height ceilings and exposed bricks, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, mezzanine level and fabulous private roof terrace.
Ideal for grown children not quite fleeing the nest, parents or grandparents, the adjoining ground floor, one-bedroom flat has a roomy open plan living room/kitchen, one bathroom and private garden.
Above: the self-contained adjunct apartment
The property is close to popular Battersea Square with its many restaurants and a short walk to the river Thames and the King's Road.
A Grade II listed, four bedroom detached house with separate coach house and apartment for sale on the Isle of Dogs, E14
Few superlatives do this house justice. Isle House is a wonderfully restored, Thames riverfront, four-bedroom detached house located on the Isle of Dogs, a short distance from Canary Wharf.
A world away from steel and concrete of London's financial nucleus, this Grade II Regency masterpiece - originally a dock master's residence - dates back to 1825 and now occupies 3900 sq ft of very special living space.
Fully restored by the current owners in 1996, and the first time that the property has been on the market since, the main house offers 4 bedrooms, three bathrooms, three reception rooms, kitchen and utility room.
The space can be remodelled to suit new owners' needs, with potential for the lower ground floor to be self contained accommodation for surly teenagers, adult children or seniors or provide extended living or entertaining space. All of the principal rooms have unobstructed views across the gardens out to the River Thames and the Millennium Dome.
Above: The coach house with stunning views over the Thames
Within the grounds, the current owners have built a coach house, this extends to 81.7 sq m (879 sq ft). The lower floor works perfectly as either a garage for multiple vehicles or an artist's studio.
Upstairs is a self contained one bedroom apartment. This adds a further dimension to the house and illustrates the flexibility of this fabulous home.
Detached six bedroom family house for sale in Wimbledon Village, SW19
This handsome period detached house has been the subject of major renovation and extension creating a fabulous multi-generational family home with great kerb appeal.
Built at the turn of the century, extended and modernised, the property clocks in at a cavernous 5825 sq ft of prime living space complete with top shelf conveniences.
Luxury interiors are used to great effect with a statement staircase setting the scene for the rest of this impressive property. The huge kitchen/breakfast room has plenty of room for extended family meals and features floor-to-ceiling glass windows looking out across the landscaped garden.
The lower ground floor has great ceiling heights and is wonderfully bright with a gym, family room and games room leading directly to the garden. A self-contained annex with large studio room with kitchen and bathroom would be ideal for visiting relatives or older children wanting to savour independent living.
The top floor makes a great children's/teenagers' floor with two large bedrooms, family bathroom and plenty of storage.
The area’s position is an attractive one; accessed through gates, the house is set well back from the road and is a short walk from Wimbledon Village with its great shops and restaurants and Wimbledon Common.
Not what you're looking for? Knight Frank regularly markets properties in London that include separate annexes or apartments for extended family. For something specific, one of our agents will be pleased to help you in your search.