Blewbury

A Large Country Garden

The Design

Set within a 2.5-acre plot on gently sloping chalk soil, this project involved the complete redesign of a large private garden surrounding a 1980s detached house. The client sought a contemporary scheme that maximised views and created distinct outdoor spaces for entertaining and relaxation.

The design needed to provide clear arrival and parking for four cars, a welcoming entrance, a breakfast terrace adjoining the kitchen, and a sequence of linked terraces for dining, lounging, and year-round use of the Jacuzzi. Privacy was a key priority, particularly along the southern boundary running parallel to a public footpath and neighbouring properties.

The existing tennis court and outbuildings were to be retained in their original positions, with new elements integrated sensitively through planting, screening, and structure. The design aimed for a balance of open spaces with secluded sections, unifying the garden through a strong spatial layout and cohesive planting palette.

The design works with the site’s natural slope, using a terraced layout and retaining walls to create structure and turn level changes into a defining feature of the garden. A formal reflective pond draws visitors down to the lowest terrace, while clearly defined outdoor spaces for dining, entertaining and the hot tub give each level a distinct purpose while maintaining a sense of flow. Planting evolves across the site, moving from a contemporary, semi-formal scheme with year-round interest near the house to a wilder, more seasonal character further into the garden. Around the entrance, enlarged paving, softened planting and a repositioned side access create a clearer and more welcoming arrival, while a tar-spray and shingle treatment gives the existing tarmac an immediate visual uplift. A previously neglected area has been transformed into a secluded breakfast terrace, with direct kitchen access, a bespoke pergola and integrated wall seat bringing structure, enclosure and a contemporary feel.