Secret Garden, Leeds

Secret Garden is a pioneering riverside development designed for modern, sustainable living. Created by Citu in partnership with White Arkitekter, the Scandinavian-inspired homes prioritise low-impact design, energy efficiency, and regenerative principles, offering residents a lifestyle that is both environmentally conscious and beautifully contemporary.

Set within a calm urban sanctuary, the development demonstrates how thoughtful architecture and sustainability can work in harmony. Secret Garden has been widely recognised for its environmental leadership, earning Best Sustainable Development at the Sunday Times British Homes Awards (2019), alongside a Housing Design Award (2020) and Yorkshire Residential Property Award for Best Residential Development (2021).

19 Secret Garden - Welcome to Secret Garden, a completely unique set of homes, looking to reinvigorate the focus of your home life.

Set directly on the banks of the River Aire, this contemporary, architect-designed townhouse forms part of the award-winning Climate Innovation District, one of the UK’s most forward-thinking sustainable neighbourhoods. Engineered around passive-house principles and entirely fossil fuel free, this is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully crafted, ultra-low energy home that combines striking modern design with measurable environmental performance, all within walking distance of Leeds City Centre.

The Property
Designed with environmental performance at its core, this contemporary, design-led townhouse is engineered around passive-house principles, delivering exceptionally low-energy, high-comfort living. A bespoke closed-panel timber frame construction provides outstanding insulation and airtightness, dramatically improving energy efficiency. South-facing triple-glazed windows and doors maximise light and solar gain. Natural cooling and ventilation are supported by a carefully positioned wall vent and opening skylight, reducing reliance on mechanical systems during warmer months.

Approached via landscaped communal gardens, the house sits within a peaceful network of green pathways framed by gabion walls and mature planting. Its distinctive façade, black tiled cladding punctuated by bold timber glazing, signals the creativity and material quality found throughout.

Inside, the design maximises volume and light to create a dynamic sequence of interconnected spaces with river views. A refined palette of polished concrete micro-cement, plywood, maple, glass and minimal joinery establishes a calm, contemporary aesthetic. The ground floor is arranged as a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space extending the full depth of the house. A glazed screen opens onto a patio, blurring the boundary between inside and out. The bespoke kitchen centres around sleek cabinetry and a substantial breakfast bar, flowing into a dramatic triple-height living area illuminated by a large roof light two storeys above. A WC and extensive concealed storage are neatly integrated across all floors.

A birch-faced plywood staircase leads to the first floor, where a river-facing bedroom (currently used as an additional sitting room) offers flexible living. To the rear, an open mezzanine-style area provides an ideal workspace or relaxation zone overlooking the living space below. A meticulously finished shower room sits centrally. The second-floor houses two further bedrooms. Sliding doors allow the landing to transform between open-plan flow and private retreat.

The principal suite enjoys dual-aspect light, a private shower room and glazed doors opening to a Juliet balcony with expansive river views. The third bedroom introduces a playful architectural feature: a suspended rope net spanning the floor void, creating a unique lounging space beneath dappled skylight.

A limited number of secure parking spaces are available in the under-croft car park to the rear, with the option to purchase the space for £25,000.

A planted front deck provides a private setting for outdoor dining and relaxation. Residents share access to a pedestrianised green street running along the River Aire, a rare city-centre landscape defined by trees, wildlife and open space. The riverbank is a tranquil setting for picnics, paddleboarding and canoeing, with walking and cycling routes leading directly into Leeds city centre.
Extensive planting supports biodiversity, with silver birch avenues, bird boxes, bee-friendly flowers and local hives encouraging wildlife. Otters, salmon and kingfishers are frequent visitors to the river.

The Area
Secret Garden sits within the Climate Innovation District, one of the UK’s most progressive urban neighbourhoods. A new pedestrian bridge connects residents to expansive green space, while the city centre is a short walk along the towpath.
Leeds offers a thriving food and cultural scene, from Kirkgate Market and Trinity Kitchen to institutions such as Whitelock’s Ale House and Nash’s Fish & Chips. Michelin-starred dining, independent cafés and live music venues are all within easy reach.
Leeds Train Station is an 18-minute walk, with direct services to London King’s Cross in just over two hours. The M1, A1 and M62 are easily accessible, and Leeds Bradford Airport lies approximately eight miles north.


SERVICES
We are advised that the property has mains water, electricity and drainage.

LOCAL AUTHORITY
Leeds City Council

TENURE
We are advised that the property is leasehold on a 999-year lease with an equal share in the freehold. There is no ground rent.

VIEWING ARRANGEMENTS
Strictly through the selling agent, Monroe Estate Agents.