Contemporary Country Garden Design
This historic property was undergoing a major refurbishment when the client contacted Bel looking for a garden design plan to link the old building with the super modern new extension and to the countryside beyond. Set in a rural village in Leicestershire with rolling views of farmland, this property had been part of the Stanford Country Estate, and was full of characterful features which the client was keen to echo in the garden. The brief was for a contemporary garden space suited to outdoor living, with paved patio spaces, pathways through the garden to the outbuildings to the rear and a soft country feel to the planting which would tie in with the countryside beyond...
Bel created a concept design plan which gave the client numerous seating areas for entertaining a contemporary Corten steel water pool and generous planting beds to soften the hard landscaping. Series of simple square frame arches over the paths were used to frame the views down the garden and add a designed element and additional height to the garden plan. Many reclaimed items from the property renovation where used to tie the new garden in with the property. Original blue pavers, terracotta tiles and reclaimed bricks were utilised but in a contemporary way, with old meets new style.
Before Transformation
Before Transformation
Before Transformation
There were many obstacles to work with in this garden as the property had numerous underground wells, services and hidden footings, walls etc beneath the ground to be worked around when creating the design plan. Practical access around the garden was incorporated into the garden whilst ensuring that the space had the required designed style the client wished for.
With a limited colour palette and soft natural style plants, Bel created a planting scheme which ties into the rural surroundings whilst also working well with the modern extension and period character of the property. Meadow style planting wraps around the Corten steel water pool with flower and foliage colours chosen to compliment the rusted steel and offering reflections in the water surface.
Completed in Spring 2019, the planting is filling out well. Further work is planned for the garden to include and entrance courtyard to the garden, internal courtyard and traditional front garden with formal planting.
Find out more about Garden Design and Planting Design.