A Country Garden

A detached, modern, brick built house set in a  substantial garden of two and half acres within an Oxfordshire village at the foot of the Berkshire Downs.  

The site was on a significant slope which rendered most of the garden unusable. 

Our design solution was to create three level areas, at differing heights near the house, connected via steps.  A long retaining wall separates the first two levels and provides a level area for a lawn and planting. 

A lower terrace features a sun bathing area, a large jacuzzi and raised beds of box cubes.  A bespoke pergola, designed by ourselves, provides shade and privacy.   

Steps connect to the next level which is an outdoor dining area.  Planting acts as a screen so diners may enjoy privacy and intimacy.  Views are afforded across the garden where the eye is led invitingly to investigate cut-grass paths or seek out the pleasures of the swimming lake at the far north-west of the garden. 

A few steps up allows access to the newly constructed conservatory on the third level.  

A breakfast terrace, situated to the side of the house in order to take full advantage of morning sun, was built.  A private, quiet space, enclosed by a low retaining wall and evergreen planting.  

An avenue of Amelanchier arborea 'Robin Hill' along a grass path leads  to the newly designed tennis court viewing area.  To the side of the avenue, framed views were created in the hedging to take full advantage of vistas across open countryside 

A swimming lake was constructed at the far north west of the garden complete with a deck area designed by us.  The spoil, from the lake, was used to create sculpted, contoured grassy mounds to provide screening and privacy from houses to the west of the site.  This also meant no soil was transported off the property therefore resulting in a significant reduction in costs as well being a more environmentally friendly solution.  Planting around the lake consists of mostly evergreen shrubs and specimen trees along with marginals and some aquatics.  A cut-grass path leads around the pond and back up to the lawn area.  

Planting is mostly evergreen providing structure as well as year round interest. Choice specimen shrubs and trees add to the scene.  The colour palette was limited to blue and white which harmoniously unified the garden.