Farm House Estate
The visions was to design their garden to maximise the views, to provide a series of entertainment areas and remain beautiful all year round
An orangery terrace leads from the house, facing south and is laid with beautiful limestone. The limestone is bordered by architectural planting which remains stunning all year round. A specially commissioned table generously seating 12 is handmade with an acid etched iron base and a stone top which complements the limestone terrace. All weather dining chairs combine year round practicality with elegance. The swimming pool terrace is of generous proportions and requires generous planting with large specimen olive trees underplanted with seasonal flowering plants in specially designed containers .
A rill garden is bordered by an ancient and restored brick and flint wall. The 25m rill is lined and edged with the limestone used on the orangery and bordered on either side with an intricate knot garden of box hedging with runs the length of the rill. As the eye leads away from the rill garden, ornate handmade gates again in acid etched iron lead through to the orchard.
A hidden seating area surrounded by yew hedging enclosing specially commissioned benches lend an air of mystery away from the main entertainment areas.
The lighting of this garden is a major design feature. Mood lighting for different areas of the garden is controlled by a central panel and illuminates architectural features and planting to provide subtle accents as well as lighting for parties and more intimate outdoor dining occasions.
All bespoke work including the dining table, the ornate gates and planters has been designed by Sue Blakeley with a local Artisan Blacksmith to fit the scale and style of the project .
The Progress
Having designed the garden plan to maximise the views, use existing architectural features and ensure year round beauty, detailed measurements were taken of the site. Considerations of drainage and electricity featured highly in the planning stages. As the land area is prepared sourcing of materials is taking place and the finest limestone is found which blend beautiful colouring with the size and scale appropriate to terracing such large areas. Large specimen plants and trees are sourced and reserved in time for planting. Due to the extent of the Iron work required work begins straightaway.