Whether it’s a rural or urban setting north west London has a range of areas of water and if you live near one they can bring a calming element to your busy lifestyle.

Ham & High: Beechey Cottage, Vale of Health, NW3Beechey Cottage, Vale of Health, NW3 (Image: goldlens.co.uk)

Beechey Cottage, Hampstead, NW3, £5,000,000

Ham & High: Beechey Cottage, Vale of Health, NW3Beechey Cottage, Vale of Health, NW3 (Image: goldlens.co.uk)

This five double bedroom period house offers a 114ft lawned garden bordering a Hampstead pond, splendid views and its own gate providing direct access to Hampstead Heath.

The reception room and dining room have parquet floors, there’s a games/play room, two bathrooms and one shower room.

Chestertons

Vale of Health, NW3, £3,900,000

Ham & High: Vale of Health, NW3, �3,900,000Vale of Health, NW3, �3,900,000 (Image: Archant)

This house is set back in a special and exclusive corner of Hampstead Village with a 61ft private garden offering views of the lakes and a gateway to Hampstead Heath.

The 2,983sq ft property is set over three levels with five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Anscombe & Ringland

Gilbey House, Jamestown Road, NW1, £1,250,000

Ham & High: Gilbey House, Camden Town, NW1, �1,250,000Gilbey House, Camden Town, NW1, �1,250,000 (Image: StoyanovandJones.com +447950459619)

This two-bedroom apartment in a converted gin distillery has a spacious reception room with large barn-style windows offering views over Regent’s Canal with a contemporary fitted kitchen semi-open to the reception room.

The sizeable master bedroom also overlooks the canal in this well-maintained building.

Marsh and Parsons