CAROLINE  DE LANE LEA  

As part of the property refurbishment, the clients wanted to update the tired old-fashioned garden to create a practical, usable space for modern family living. They wanted paved areas to link the various access points of the property, space for outdoor eating for large gatherings of friends and family, a large lawn area for playing football and other games as well as a sunny relaxed seating area. 

 

The design introduced a series of linked paved terraces exploiting the natural level change with wide shallow steps. The original crazy paving was lifted, cleaned and reused for the step risers with a design nod to the Arts and Crafts architecture of the property. In addition, the paving was re-used to create a raised planting bed for herbs backed by a metal trellis screen. A stepping stone path extends between an avenue of olive trees and links the terrace with the sunny corner seating area. Backed by painted trellis and scented plants, this provides

a pleasant place to relax. A large lawn accommodates all types of sporting activities while the surrounding planting beds provide structure, seasonal interest and colour.

 

A bespoke stainless steel water feature takes central stage in the gravel courtyard - creating a vista from the new garden room and living room.