new build: munstead

This new build property was located only minutes from Gertrude Jekylls ground breaking gardens at Munsted and benefited from fabulous borrowed views of mature woodland.

A priority was to remove the original drive that wrapped around four sides of the property and bring the landscape up to the house. A new, drive, entrance and terrace were to be created and the existing borders replanted. Work began with a phasing plan to identify the priorities for this four year programme.

To reflect the urban and rural interests of this design savvy young couple whilst melding an established traditional garden with new contemporary elements, the design was to become a meeting of old world and new.

The terrace of large sawn limestone slabs incorporated an inset of yew hedge screening the sitting area from the main drive. Generous 16metre wide steps led down to a linear path of bonded gravel and into the two acre plot.

Simple linear planting of box hedging bordered the terrace with minimal planting of Agapanthus, and Choisya white dazzler, planted for their strong foliage textures as for their neutral white flowers.

The full height kitchen window looked into a sun baked herb garden. The existing shrub border was extended and planted with blocks of Salvia caradonna, Eupatorium and Echinacea.

Work now begins around the garden room beyond the house with the introduction of a copse of white multi-stemmed birch. A simplistic and understated contrast to the rich tapestry of cedar, oaks and beech.

DIG e: andrew@digdesigns.co.uk

DIG t: 01483 200383

DIG m: 07307 872811