The Brief

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Positioned above road level, this property enjoys a garden that wraps around the house, offering plenty of opportunities to create a series of beautiful outdoor spaces.

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Originally, the garden consisted mainly of paving and lawn, with a significant difference in height between the rear garden and the back door. With no steps providing direct access, moving between the house and garden was difficult. A large established tree also created considerable shade across one section of the garden, presenting an additional design challenge.

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The clients wanted to transform the space into a contemporary, low-maintenance garden designed for relaxing and entertaining. With large windows and a conservatory overlooking the garden, it was equally important that the finished space looked beautiful from inside the house, both during the day and when illuminated at night.

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The Design

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Our approach was to create a series of distinct yet connected outdoor spaces, ensuring the garden flowed naturally around the property. Several seating areas were incorporated to allow the clients to follow the sunshine throughout the day, enjoy different views and make the most of their outdoor space.

A continuous pathway guides visitors around the house, connecting each area while creating a sense of discovery.

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Beginning along the left-hand side of the property, the pathway passes a decorative scree area, with pleached trees positioned against contemporary larch slatted fencing. These provide privacy, structure and an attractive backdrop.

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Turning the corner reveals the first seating area, where a paved space and arbour create a peaceful spot to sit and relax. Artificial grass and carefully selected low-maintenance planting provide year-round greenery without the upkeep associated with a traditional lawn.

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One of the most important elements of the design was addressing the difference in height between the garden and the rear entrance. We introduced a series of carefully positioned steps and raised areas, transforming what had previously been an access problem into an attractive architectural feature.

The first set of steps leads to an elevated porcelain-paved terrace, creating a generous outdoor dining area ideal for entertaining family and friends. Further steps connect this terrace to the rear door, where a raised seating space provides the perfect setting for a morning coffee. A glass balustrade surrounds this upper area, offering safety without interrupting the views. Its transparent design maintains a visual connection between the kitchen and garden, allowing the landscaping to be enjoyed from inside the house. The combination of porcelain paving, changes in level and carefully positioned seating creates a contemporary finish while ensuring the different areas feel connected.

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The large established tree at the rear of the property presented an opportunity to introduce a completely different planting style. From the main dining terrace, a pathway constructed from porcelain planks leads beneath a series of timber arches, creating an attractive transition into the shaded section of the garden. On one side of the pathway, we created a distinctive woodland-style lawn using Soleirolia soleiroli, commonly known as Mind Your Own Business. This low-growing, mat-forming perennial produces a carpet of tiny rounded leaves, providing a soft, lush appearance that works beautifully in sheltered, shaded conditions. On the opposite side, we introduced a fernery inspired by the natural character of a stumpery. A carefully arranged combination of rocks and cobbles creates texture and structure, while a selection of shade-tolerant ferns introduces layers of rich green foliage. As the planting matures, the ferns will soften the hard landscaping, creating a natural woodland atmosphere beneath the tree. Rather than viewing the shade as a limitation, we used it to establish a contrasting garden environment that adds interest and variety to the overall design.

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Continuing around the property, the pathway eventually leads to the final seating area, enclosed by contemporary larch slatted fencing and complemented by low-maintenance planting. With several seating spaces positioned throughout the garden, the clients can choose where to relax depending on the time of day, the weather or how they wish to use the space. Whether enjoying a morning coffee, dining outdoors or relaxing in the evening, each area has its own character while remaining part of the wider garden design.

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With the garden overlooked by large windows and a conservatory, lighting was an essential part of the design. We installed garden lighting throughout the space to highlight architectural features, illuminate pathways and create atmosphere after sunset. The lighting can be operated remotely, allowing the clients to adjust both the colour and brightness to suit the occasion. This ensures the garden remains an attractive feature when viewed from inside the property and extends its enjoyment well into the evening.

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The completed transformation combines contemporary materials, imaginative planting and carefully considered levels to create a practical, stylish and inviting outdoor space. What was once a relatively simple garden with difficult access and challenging shaded areas is now a collection of beautifully connected spaces, each designed with a purpose. From the elevated porcelain dining terrace and glass balustrades to the woodland planting, fernery and atmospheric lighting, every element has been considered to meet the clients' requirements.

 

The result is a distinctive, low-maintenance garden that offers privacy, comfort and year-round interest — a space designed not only to look beautiful, but to be enjoyed.  A garden that truly brings outdoor living to life.