The first phase focuses on the approach to the house and stables and the immediate rear (principal) garden. This is shown above in the visualisation renders alongside the existing site. For the approach I wanted to create a naturalistic, pastoral palette to honour the properties agricultural past, using grasses and native planting that make it feel relaxed from the lane, formality and structure is brought in through the placement of hedges and clean sharp hard landscaping lines.

Immediately behind the house, accessed through the cross‑passage, is the family’s principal space. Here I wanted to highlight the property’s historic character, using local stone for new walls, steps and terraces so every new element looks rooted and authentic. A clear sightline from the drawing room and study to a generous lawn and play area ensures the children can play in view, adjacent, a sun‑soaked dining and BBQ terrace is framed by new borders that capitalise on the aspect and views across garden. The planting is designed for high impact with lower maintenance, bold seasonal structure, layered perennials and clipped accents that give strong form without constant fuss.

Beyond that core, the garden splits into complementary zones. Including a productive vegetable garden making the most of the existing greenhouses, a woodland and habitat garden, a sports and entertainment garden that re‑imagines the existing tennis court and indoor pool as a cohesive leisure cluster, a fountain garden that elevates the estate’s historic features, centred on an old stone pond and arranged to read like a formal counterpoint to the surrounding landscape and finally a dedicated garden for a bespoke home office, positioned to make the most of the beautiful views across open countryside and provides a calm, inspiring setting to work.

Each zone has its own identity and yet the whole garden is knitted together as one through the continuity of planting, landscaping materials and sightlines. The brief demanded impact with low maintenance, the result is a resilient, elegant garden that respects its past, serves a busy family and can be built in stages without losing the overall design vision.