The Best Place Live to Live During a London Heatwave

With few lidos across London, outdoor swimming is a rare luxury in the capital. As temperatures soar and the city experiences a series of summer heatwaves, Londoners are flocking to these open-air pools in search of relief from the heat.

London’s lidos are mainly clustered in the south, including Tooting Bec and Brockwell, as well as across west and north London, creating a ring of outdoor swimming destinations around the city. For those fortunate enough to live nearby, access to these popular spots can make all the difference during a heatwave.

Residents of The 1840 are in prime position to enjoy one of London’s best outdoor pools. Just a 12-minute cycle from Tooting Bec Lido, homeowners can beat the crowds and take a dip without enduring a lengthy commute.

As the largest open-air freshwater swimming pool in the UK, Tooting Bec Lido attracts up to 1,300 visitors on particularly hot days. The historic pool, originally known as the Tooting Bathing Lake, was built in 1906 to provide employment for local men. Today it holds Grade II listed status, making it one of Britain's most popular outdoor swimming venues.

Opening six decades before the lido, The 1840 is a Grade II listed former hospital building.  City & Country has transformed it into a residential development comprising a mix of one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments. The estate is fronted by an impressive Tudor-style brick composition building and overlooks 32 acres of green space, including beautifully landscaped gardens and common areas.

The development's enviable location between Tooting, Balham, Earlsfield and Wandsworth Common places some of south-west London's most sought-after neighbourhoods on the doorstep. Residents can also take advantage of nearby Clapham Common and Wimbledon Common, ideal destinations for summer picnics, outdoor exercise and walks.

Alongside easy access to outdoor swimming and expansive green spaces, residents benefit from secure on-site parking and a range of communal amenities. The property's storied past is seamlessly combined with contemporary interiors, designed for modern living.

At a time when Londoners are seeking ways to stay cool and make the most of the summer months, The 1840 offers the perfect balance of heritage, green space and access to one of the capital's most celebrated lidos.

Prices currently range from £450,000 to £915,000 for one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.