This garden was designed to anchor a newly-built family home into its sweeping Downland setting. The sloping site offered both challenge and opportunity: with a need to soften strong architectural lines and connect to the stunning landscape beyond.

A sequence of outdoor rooms unfolds around the house, each shaped by aspect and use. The generous terraces were richly planted, creating spaces for dining, gathering, and exercise - drawing the landscape right up to the building.

To the east, immersive planting was conceived to awaken the senses at the start of the day - combining colour, scent and texture.  A bold, uplifting perennial palette brings energy and balance, grasses introduce tactile movement while aromatic climbers and creeping herbs soften edges and perfume the air.

To the west, the atmosphere becomes calmer and more restrained with an Ikebana-inspired tapestry of foliage and textures. Planting frames the wider views beyond and includes a collection of specimen Acers in stone planters - lending a contemplative quality to the space.

Beyond the terraces, the garden gives way to looser, prairie-style planting.  Simple timber steps lead down to a natural swimming pond – balanced by large sweeping beds.  Naturalistic planting echoes the grasses and fresh hues of the surrounding downland landscape.

The design feels contemporary yet enduring and strongly rooted by the clients’ personal story.