The place
A private family residence set in the countryside of County Antrim, with expansive views across the surrounding countryside. The garden sits to the rear and side of the house, creating a strong visual and functional connection between the indoor living spaces and the wider landscape. The setting called for a garden that felt generous, well-structured, and suitable for everyday family use and entertaining.
The brief
The main focus of the project was to create a large, multifunctional outdoor area where the family could relax, dine, and entertain. The garden needed to incorporate generous lawn space, structured planting, and clearly defined zones, while allowing easy movement between the house, patio, and garden. An additional requirement was to develop a usable lawn area to the side of the house, connected by a practical and attractive pathway.
The design
The rear of the house was landscaped to form a series of connected spaces. A circular lawn was introduced as a central feature, framed by extensive planting to soften the layout and provide year-round interest. Additional planting beds were positioned near the house to blend the architecture with the garden setting, while a paved path guides movement through the space and leads to a large patio.
The patio was constructed to accommodate outdoor dining and seating, creating a natural extension of the home. A raised pergola was incorporated as a focal gathering space, complete with a built-in fireplace. This area is enclosed by a retaining wall, providing a sense of seclusion while also allowing for layered planting. Raised beds were added throughout the patio area to further integrate greenery into the hard landscaping.
To the side of the house, a separate lawn area was constructed to provide additional usable space. This area is accessed via a paved path and complemented by surrounding planting, ensuring it remains visually connected to the main garden while serving a practical purpose.
(Ford Landscapes completed all hard landscaping construction work)
