New homes in Chiswick: there are no cars above ground at this gated community of family townhouses with green spaces and children's play areas

Chiswick is split in half by Great West Road, part of the roaring A4 between Hammersmith and Heathrow. On one side is the old riverside village with delightful Chiswick Mall, hidden away with handsome houses and pretty cottages facing the Thames — while on the north side of the dual carriageway lies higher-density housing and the area’s commercial centre, here the atmosphere is more busy city than green suburb.

Chiswick Gate, a development of 44 townhouses and 79 apartments, helps bridge the divide.

Set back behind Hogarth Roundabout, one of the A4’s main junctions, the gated development has been designed with drivers in mind, having a vast underground car park allowing townhouse residents to step out of their vehicle and straight into their home via a separate basement entrance.

This means there are no cars above ground, freeing up precious space for formal communal gardens and children’s play areas.

The site plan is a reinvention of a London garden square, with the open central landscaped area lined by traditional-style brick houses (up to five bedrooms and five storeys) and apartment blocks.

Townhouses with spacious interiors have private gardens and sunken patios too. Plus there is a gym and concierge. Houses cost from £1,930,000. Flats from £614,995. Call Berkeley Homes on 0203 411 8602.

Other Chiswick new builds include Camellia House and Magnolia House, a pair of detached homes in gated grounds in a conservation area off Chiswick High Road. Each costs £2 million. Call 020 8995 2345.

And show apartments have been launched at 500 Chiswick High Road, a scheme of 71 homes, including townhouses and penthouses with big roof terraces aimed at locals downsizers. Prices from £420,000. Call 020 3430 6920.