Set in rural Hertfordshire this Georgian style former farm house was set in a large plot nearing three acres. The plot was laid almost entirely to lawn and the garden was separated from an attractive meadow by a hedge.
The dynamic of the house had been drastically changed by the addition of a stone orangery to the rear. This extension was to be the main open plan living space of the house so it was proposed that the main axis of the rear garden be taken from the central doors of the orangery. A large sandstone terrace for entertaining leads to turf steps edged in sandstone up to a large formal lily pool. This strong axis is further reinforced by the removal of the hedge and a central turf path cut through the wildflower meadow.
Planting areas are of naturalistic perennials with the palette restricted to selected species. This approach lends an almost sculptural effect to the scheme. The cosy drawing room terrace is almost totally enclosed by soft planting with just glimpses of the main garden and meadow beyond.
At the front, the driveway approach was reconfigured to move parked cars away from the front door area. A central turning circle was added and was edged with a box hedge filled with rosemary. Planting at the base of the building and more box hedging enhance the formality of the Georgian façade.
The main garden was lit with soft white uplighters whilst paths were bathed in low level light from stainless steel spread lighters. Lighting was restrained and subtle due to the very rural location.
The completed scheme blends the new layout of the house seamlessly with the garden and the new path across the meadow leading the eye to the countryside beyond is the perfect example of the borrowed landscape.
