In many parts of the UK, and particularly in London, driveway space is at a premium. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace in Islington, a Georgian townhouse in Chelsea, or a new build in Richmond, one issue remains the same: utilising every inch of available space matters. However, finding a stylish yet functional solution that secures your property can be challenging, particularly when conventional electric gate styles simply don’t fit.
At Windlesham Gates, we specialise in designing and installing innovative electric gate systems that solve these challenges. One of the most versatile and space-saving solutions we provide is the sectional sliding gate, more commonly known as an around the corner gate.
Unlike traditional swing gates or straight sliding gates, around the corner sliding gates are designed to work seamlessly where driveways are compact, irregularly shaped, or bordered by curved walls. Combining practicality with elegance, these gates allow urban homeowners to secure their property without sacrificing valuable space, style, or convenience.
In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know if you’re considering this space-saving solution for your home, from to why they might suit your home to the average around the corner sliding gate price in London.
What Exactly Are Around the Corner Sliding Gates?
Around the corner sliding gates are a clever type of electric gate system where multiple gate panels slide laterally along the inside of your wall or boundary fence. Instead of relying on one rigid piece of material that swings open or retracts in a straight line, the panels fold and curve, hugging the shape of your boundary (even if it has tight corners or curved walls).
Two key systems are used in around the corner sliding folding gates:
- Tracked systems that run along a ground rail, providing stable support. They are ideal for flat driveways and are highly robust.
- Cantilever systems that float slightly above ground without a track. They are particularly effective on uneven or sloping surfaces where a ground rail would be difficult to maintain.
Both options can be tailored to the unique conditions of your property, making these gates one of the most adaptable and flexible driveway solutions available in the UK today.
Why Driveway Space Is Such a Challenge in London
Driveways in London and many urban areas of the UK are notoriously difficult to work with. In fact, one of the most common questions our team gets asked is “what’s the best type of electric gate for a small or tight driveway in London?”. Limited space, short setbacks from the pavement, and strict planning regulations mean that traditional electric gate designs are often unfeasible.
For example, swing gates require significant clearance to open, but London driveways are often too small for inward opening, and gates cannot legally open outwards onto public walkways or roads. Similarly, straight sliding gates need a long, uninterrupted wall or fence line to retract along, with space for full side clearance, but this is simply not possible for urban properties with narrow frontages.
This is where the around the corner sliding gate proves its worth. Its flexible design allows panels to glide along the inner boundary of your property, turning corners smoothly and making use of otherwise wasted or awkward driveway areas.
For homeowners in areas like Kensington, Camden, or Islington who are struggling with limited space or unusual layouts, around the corner gates are often the only realistic way to combine security and functionality.
Why Around the Corner Gates Are Perfect for London Homes
With a high price per square metre, every inch of space within a London property’s boundary lines needs maximising. Thanks to their clever folding design, around the corner sliding gates take up minimal space, making them especially suited to the capital’s small or oddly shaped driveways.
Even if you have a curved wall or narrow side passage, they follow the shape of your entrance effortlessly. This adaptability makes them a natural fit for both historic homes with awkward layouts and contemporary houses where clean, unobstructed design is key.
Perhaps most importantly, these gates deliver all the benefits of traditional electric gates (from security to convenience) without compromising on style or kerb appeal. They are fully customisable in terms of design and materials, which is particularly useful in London conservation areas that require homeowners to preserve their area’s special character.
For homeowners seeking a balance of practicality, elegance, and protection, around the corner gates are an unrivalled choice.
Design Options for London Properties
At Windlesham Gates, all of our around the corner sliding gates are completely bespoke, created to suit not only the dimensions of your driveway but also the overall character of your property. We work with a variety of high-quality materials, each offering its own benefits.
Aluminium is popular for modern homes because it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and provides a sleek, contemporary finish. For properties with a more traditional character, we often recommend Accoya wood. This sustainable, dimensionally stable timber has an authentic appearance that blends seamlessly with period architecture while maintaining exceptional durability. For homeowners seeking a balance between practicality and design, composite materials provide a low-maintenance alternative that still delivers a refined and stylish look.
Beyond material choice, you can customise colours, finishes, and profiles. Many of our clients opt for colours that match their home’s London brick, stucco exterior, or other architectural details, ensuring the gate integrates seamlessly. We can also supply silent motors for noise-sensitive boroughs such as Westminster, keeping your installation discreet and neighbour-friendly.
Installation Factors Unique to London
Installing around the corner sliding gates in London requires a particular level of expertise. Many driveways are positioned on narrow roads or within mews where space for installation equipment is limited. At Windlesham Gates, we regularly work with crane operators, scaffolders, and even local councils to coordinate logistics and ensure a smooth process.
We also understand the importance of discreet design. Gate motors and mechanisms can be concealed within paving or brickwork so that they do not interfere with the aesthetic of your property. For listed buildings or homes in one of London’s 28 conservation areas, we provide the necessary drawings and documentation to support planning applications, making what can otherwise be a complex process far easier for our clients.
Cost Considerations
One of the most common things homeowners ask us is: “What’s the average around the corner sliding gate price in London?”. As with any bespoke product, prices vary depending on a number of factors.
Standard supply and installation typically costs from £12,000 to £20,000+. For more complex layouts, where additional engineering is required, costs usually start from £18,000+.
Your around the corner sliding gate price will also be affected by the gate material and finish, the number of panels needed, the motor type chosen, and if site preparation like groundworks or electrical work is needed. Optional design extras like advanced access control systems, brickwork, lighting, house signs, and letter boxes are priced individually.
Regardless of your choices, Windlesham Gates always provides a transparent, itemised quote for your gate, so you can make an informed decision without the worry of hidden extra costs.
Real-Life Case Study: Hampstead, NW3
A recent client in Hampstead had a curved front boundary wall, just 2.2m from the road. Swing gates were ruled out due to lack of clearance, and traditional sliding gates wouldn’t fit the wall line.
Our solution?
We installed a 5-panel around the corner sliding gate in powder-coated aluminium, colour-matched to the home’s stucco render. The system operated via a silent underground motor and included smart control via smartphone app. The installation was completed with minimal disruption, and transformed the home’s kerb appeal and security.
(Images available upon request or in gallery)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install these gates if I don’t have a side wall?
A: Yes. In many cases, a steel or composite track system can be fitted parallel to your fence line or along a newly constructed wall.
Q: Are around the corner gates secure enough for London homes?
A: Absolutely. These gates are fitted with anti-lift mechanisms, reinforced tracks, and can integrate with CCTV, intercoms, and smart access control.
Q: Do I need planning permission in London?
A: For listed buildings or homes in conservation areas, yes. For most standard properties, no permission is required under permitted development — but we’ll help you confirm this.
Q: Can they be painted to match my house?
A: Yes. We offer a full range of RAL colours, timber stains, or custom finishes to complement your property’s exterior.
Redefine Your Driveway with Around the Corner Sliding Gates
If your driveway space is limited or awkwardly shaped, a conventional gate may never fit. But that doesn’t mean you must compromise on security or style. With a bespoke sectional sliding gate from Windlesham Gates, you can enjoy the perfect combination of space-saving design, robust security, and refined aesthetics.
We invite you to book a consultation with our expert team today. Discover how we can design and install around the corner sliding gates that will transform your London property and deliver lasting peace of mind.
