After the renovation of a neo-Georgian residence, Tom was commissioned to design the surrounding gardens to complement the existing mature 11-acre estate, which features a large woodland and a lake.
The design embraced a formal English garden style, emphasizing geometry and symmetry with a contemporary twist in line with the client’s brief. Planting was arranged in romantic, layered borders, combining mixed herbaceous plants, roses, ornamental grasses, and yew topiary domes to provide structure and visual interest.
On one side of the house, the gardens were created for family use, featuring an intimate sunken terrace for alfresco dining and a decorative stone parterre with a central water feature that adds sound and movement to the space. A curved brick wall, punctuated by arrow-slit windows and an arched doorway, wraps around this part of the garden, creating a sense of intimacy reminiscent of a traditional courtyard. Lush herbaceous borders, planted with Salvias, Scabious, Nepeta, and Roses, help divide the space into distinct garden rooms which further enhance the sense of enclosure.
On the opposite side, adjacent to the pool and spa, an oak-framed structure houses an outdoor kitchen and dining area, reflecting the client’s passion for cooking outdoors. Nearby, a circular sunken firepit with seating is recessed into the landscape, providing a focal point for evening gatherings. Surrounding this, low-level planting offers privacy while maintaining views of the wider gardens.
Belvedere terraces were added along the main terrace to enrich the garden’s vistas. These structures extend into the sweeping borders, forming secluded seating areas that feel enveloped by the planting. From these vantage points, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding formal gardens.
