London's best riverside properties

The original building was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, a celebrated architect whose résumé includes Cambridge University Library and the red telephone box. For its new incarnation, architects WilkinsonEyre pay homage to its history while adding more than a touch of 21st-century gloss. It’s like your favourite aunt got a facelift and bright red shoes. There will be 253 new homes spread across three neighbourhoods: Switch House West, Switch House East, and Boiler House Square in the middle, both literally and figuratively when it all starts kicking off between Switch House West and Switch House East. Guys, put up your swords: everybody gets access to the roof gardens. batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Beneath you will be the many charms of Circus West Village, a miniature city on the waterfront. Sup at artisan bars and restaurants; release your inner hipster at Battersea Brewery; and inhale the flowers at Moyses Stevens, London’s oldest florist which was established in 1876. (The flowers have been changed since then.) There’s also the Archlight Cinema, spin studio Boom Cycle, and a state-of-the-art spa and gym. The chimneys won’t be the only thing that’s stacked. But wonderful though these amenities are, nothing can trump the appeal of living atop one of London’s coolest historic landmarks: being able to sing, “I’ve got the power!” every time you pass through the front door. batterseapowerstation.co.uk

There’s seamless luxury in every detail – but, if you forget, a full Harrods concierge with valet parking is on hand to remind you. It’s a tough life for some… just not for you. With the 116 high-spec apartments starting from £1.25m, this is one of the most exclusive developments you are likely to encounter so close to the river. riverwalk.co.uk

Designed by award-winning architects Stanton Williams, Riverwalk is a beautiful addition to Westminster; all elegant curves and modern design. The riverfront development is far more than handsome looks, mind. Each apartment has large floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise views of the water, designer kitchens are integrated with Miele and Gaggenau appliances, and luxury bathrooms feature marble walls. 

One Park Drive, London's first residential tower by Herzog & de Meuron, represents the best of Canary Wharf as the private estate develops into a new destination for London. The 128 acre Canary Wharf private Estate is one of the world's great city spaces; internationally renowned as one of London’s most vibrant districts and with a unique waterside location. Residents will enjoy premium amenities, such as a 24-hour concierge, cinema room, gym and sauna, training area and resident's library. Full details at knightfrank.co.uk

Developed as part of the fourth phase of Riverside Quarter, this 15th floor penthouse is a modern space for a city slicker. Equipped with a south facing terrace, fibre optic super-fast dedicated broadband and secure underground car and bicycle parking, it’s kitted out for keeping in touch with the office and for adding to your classic car collection. savills.com

On site there’s also a Marco Polo Restaurant and Deli and Hudson’s convenience store. Sitting beside Wandsworth Park, it’s ideally located for walking off the fillet steak or last night’s Moet. savills.com

If you fancy moving a little out of the action then Three Riverside might be the place for you. Near East Putney and Putney Bridge, and with Wandsworth Town mainline station a ten minute walk away, you’re still spoilt when it comes to your choice of transport. If you choose to make this 12th floor, 2,852 sq ft apartment home, you won’t have to worry about the usual 6am pre-City coffee run as you’ll be enjoying your flat white on your south facing terrace. savills.com

Becoming part of a District line human sandwich also becomes a choice, as the on-site Thames Clipper Pier will seamlessly deliver you to Chelsea, Embankment and Canary Wharf. Did we mention the Winter Garden, the four bedrooms, open plan kitchen and the fully equipped gym, pool, sauna and steam room? savills.com

South Bank Tower is the newest addition to London’s South Bank. And to mark its arrival in the capital’s cultural heartland, the development is offering some of the city’s most modern apartments.Think clean lines, unadorned finishes and light-flooded rooms that boast panoramic views of The Shard and St Paul’s. savills.com

There’s also a grassed penthouse terrace with views of The London Eye to keep you entertained. But if the British weather is true to form, a cinema room with seats that occupy an entire postcode isn’t a bad consolation prize. Alternatively, take out your frustrations by pumping some iron at the gym or taking a dip in the lake-like pool. savills.com

At luxury development the South Bank Tower, you'll be next door to some of the city's most iconic buildings, including the Oxo Tower and the Tate Modern. The plush penthouses span the 39th and 40th floors, with double-height living space and a glass curtain wall that'll flood your crib with natural light...

Nestling idyllically on the banks of one of the finest and most picturesque stretches of the River Thames, Cholmondeley House is an exquisite and laterally configured Grade II listed Georgian family home. Of particular note is the most elegant first-floor drawing room with its wonderful proportions and gracious three-window bay that floods the room with light. savills.com

One of London’s largest roof gardens will be built on its 9th floor, so you can come home and forget your work woes as you marvel at the panoramic view. You'll have to pay £20m for the privilege, mind. Best start saving those pennies. For more info, visit southbanktower.com

Neighbouring Tower Bridge and the Shard, it's fair to say Landmark Place earns its moniker. This North Bank development offers apartments and penthouses looking over the river. However a charming view is the least of its virtues. Closeted gardens offer a respite from the City rush. 

The Private Club, with its screening room, library, business suite and lounge, might prove difficult to escape. The spa and daylight pool should prove sufficient motivation to leave the club, if not the building. For more info, see savills.com 

Rollin’ on the river takes on a whole new meaning with this luxury apartment snuggled in the Surrey Bend of the Thames. Located on the seventh floor of this eight-story building, two of the three double bedrooms come with a private balcony to take in those riverside views. Looking out over the Thames, the roof terrace offers a jacuzzi, bar and sun deck; rather than travel abroad for the summer holidays, you’ll simply need to walk upstairs. 

At the lower ground floor level of the building, an independent theatre and cinema managed by the world-famous Riverside Studios provides the perfect escape for the rainy days. Otherwise just lay back and watch the boats drift by. For more info, cbreresidential.com

A three-bedroom penthouse apartment within the regenerated Nine Elms area on the South Bank? Don't mind if we do. As well as the open plan reception (with five windows looking over the river), the apartment includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a stud and a riverside terrace. 

As a resident of Riverside Court, you'll enjoy access to an array of new bars and restaurants, shopping facilities and even new parkland. And they said Vauxhall would never take off... For more info, visit nineelmslondon.com

You might have to wait to move in, but Fulham Riverside's duplex apartments are worth it. Located on the fourth and fifth levels of the building, the two penthouses look out onto the river and a large communal podium garden below.

When your friends are over, head down to the green, which has provision for croquet, table tennis and chess, and also boasts a three-metre waterfall. Or chill upstairs on your private balcony with a mojito in hand. We dare you not to feel smug. For more info, visit barratthomes.co.uk

Chelsea is another area enjoying a surge of riverside developments. This may be the most ambitious. When completed, Chelsea Waterfront will comprise ten buildings in total including two towers either side of Chelsea Creek. The site will include former Lots Road Power Station, which will be transformed with a 100m long mall full of shops and cafes running along its ground floor.

Three new bridges over Chelsea Creek will link the power station to water gardens designed by architects Randle Siddeley Associates. We recommend snapping up an apartment while you still can. For more info, see chelseawaterfront.com

If a night in catching up on Made in Chelsea is your guilty pleasure (don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone), then we've got just the pad for you. No doubt Spencer Matthews et al would sell one of their cousins/lovers for the keys to this penthouse. For a price tag of £12m, you can lord it over the great unwashed below from one of your seven – yes, seven – terraces situated on three sides of the building.

The four-bedroom apartment also comes with an open-plan kitchen, dining room, and a vast reception room with wrap-around terrace that's perfect for parties. For more info, visit savills.co.uk