Ongoing project

The clients purchased this property specifically for the generous scale of the garden, with a clear ambition to maximise outdoor living. Their brief embraced a rich variety of spaces and experiences, inspired by their love of gaming, up-cycling and storytelling. The garden was reimagined as a journey — a living “game map” where each zone unfolds as a new scene, leading towards a central destination around the historic water feature. The design focuses on creating as many outdoor living scenarios as possible, encouraging movement, discovery and connection.

The site presented a number of spatial and contextual challenges. The house is positioned tightly into one corner of the plot, bordered by parking and an outbuilding — now the client’s office, creating a tunnel-like view into the darker reaches of the garden. Mature trees, which were to be retained, visually and physically separated the small area directly outside the house from the main garden beyond. The parking area offered little interest from the kitchen window and lacked privacy from the neighbouring building.

Materiality was another important consideration. A contemporary house and existing slate terrace needed to sit comfortably alongside a traditional red brick outbuilding and a historic water feature that once formed part of a formal garden belonging to a neighbouring mansion.

The primary design move was to draw movement deep into the garden, visually and materially unifying the entire site. A new staggered slate pathway creates a strong focal point, guiding the eye and leading visitors into the wider landscape beyond. Clay paver terraces echo red bricks of the office, intentionally contrasting with the slate to celebrate material diversity rather than disguise it.

As one moves through the garden, the hard landscape gradually softens. Lawns and stepping stones introduce a more natural rhythm, creating the feeling of entering a wilder landscape. The restored water feature becomes the heart of the garden — a central gathering space for large groups, anchored by a fire pit for long evenings of socialising. More intimate retreats, including a swing, gazebo and bespoke bench, are nestled within the woodland area, offering moments of pause and reflection along the journey.

The scale and varied conditions of the site allowed for distinct planting themes across different zones. The central garden is defined by large planting beds filled with ornamental grasses and perennials, anchored by new shrubs and a combination of existing and newly planted multi-stem trees. The emphasis here is on softness, movement and year-round interest.

Further into the garden, planting becomes simpler and more meadow-like, dominated by grasses to evoke a sense of openness and wildness. Around the pond, marginal planting on the new planting shelve and surrounding shrub planting create a secluded, immersive atmosphere. In the shadier lower areas, woodland planting focuses on leaf colour, texture and seasonal change, forming a cool, contemplative landscape with the moist, earthy scent of woodland.

The first stage of construction was completed in 2025, with planting scheduled for 2026.

Completion: 2026

Contractor: McNaughton’s