I visited this garden after a call from the clients who were already developing a property. They were living on site in a temporary home and project managing a huge house development alongside a fantastic development team in Leicestershire. I always get a vibe from wandering around on site in my boots, the wet and with a huge tape measure, the guys were very friendly and supportive of the inside and the outside aligning, no “the garden can wait, its not important” vibes here. Everyone working together for a great outcome for our clients.
The couple were always busy working hard and travelling. The vision for the house and garden all rested on memories created in The Cotswolds and their family members gardens. Many pictures of existing spaces they spent their time in were shown during our initial consultation. It was obvious it was a contemporary English Country Garden style with some Prairie style planting and best of all food growing included.
The Brief
Cotswold English Country Garden
Before
The clients were living on site during this monumental development in a temporary home. They were so positive and looking forward to adding special features to their dream home. What we loved the most was that the client worked so closely with us, we said that the garden needed topsoil ‘en mass’ it was a clay base. We mixed the soil in with what was existing for nutrition and to ensure it was easier to work. The plan for the garden was to have an ‘indoor outdoor’ lifestyle without much effort. The property is stunning finished in a traditional Cotswold stone clad. Almost every window looks out into the garden, the vista from outside had to be perfect.
We created a country walk though their garden, with a ‘wafty’ planting style on both side in some sections creating a nature walk and feeling lost in the planting. The canal runs along the bottom of the garden, where the curved walls we planned in mimicked the water movement, planting flanking both sides, including mid level such as Amelanchier and Cercis.
The outdoor kitchen area, is a huge advantage to their outdoor indoor lifestyle with their spa being inside we didn’t add a sauna or hot tub or a gym, all of these were contained within the property, we did ensure that the entertainment areas were a marked destination with clay pavers in herringbone creating texture amongst the tumble edge paving. The raised beds at the edge of the terrace aren’t harsh with a rounded finish and two heights to ensure the view isn’t blocked to the bottom of he garden.
The design approach focused on creating structure and movement through the careful use of form and material. Curved elements were introduced to soften the geometry of the space and guide circulation through the garden, helping to shape how the landscape is experienced rather than simply viewed.
Material selection played a central role from the outset. Textured stone was specified to add depth and character, ensuring the hard landscaping would feel grounded and timeless. The choices made to complement the surrounding architecture while bringing warmth and tactility to the garden.
Close collaboration with the build team ensured the design intent was carried through accurately, with attention given to line, proportion, and craftsmanship. By considering both aesthetic impact and long-term durability, the approach balanced visual presence with a sense of permanence and longevity within the landscape.
The Approach
As the garden takes shape, the design intent is beginning to translate clearly into the built landscape. The introduction of curved walling has brought a strong sense of movement and definition to the space, softening the structure while guiding how the garden is experienced.
Textured natural materials were central to the design. The use of the architectural materials from the house including Millboard Limed Decking and Cotswold Stone Cladding adds depth, warmth, and character, allowing the hard landscaping to feel grounded and tactile rather than dominant. As the project progresses, these elements are already creating a sense of presence and permanence within the garden, linking the garden and the house as intended.
Spaces include a deck Canalside gently lit for evening drinks, a large entertainment space with herringbone paving, a curved walled terrace adjoining a step down to a semi-circular paved space for sun loungers. A firepit area a short walk around the perimeter pathway but not too far away from the outdoor kitchen. The large barn like outdoor kitchen, is yet to be completed, but we have earmarked a classic style kitchen rather than anything too industrial looking. The built in fireplace and blinds ensure this space is available all year round.
The build reflects a close collaboration between design and craftsmanship, with careful attention paid to line, proportion, and material detail. Although the garden is still evolving, the emerging structure demonstrates how considered material choices and thoughtful construction can bring a landscape design to life in a way that feels both intentional and enduring.
The Outcome
