The place

The Old School House is a former school building in a rural setting, recently renovated into a family home. The property sits at the top of a significant slope, with gardens wrapping around the house and taking advantage of the site’s natural contours and elevated position.

The brief

Following the extensive renovation of the building, the brief was to create a series of gardens that would sit comfortably alongside the new family home and reflect its country character. The clients wanted the gardens to feel connected and practical, with planting brought close to the house and outdoor spaces that could be used and enjoyed throughout the year.

Key considerations included managing the changes in level around the property, providing a generous parking area, and creating defined garden spaces that felt cohesive while responding naturally to the site.

The design

The front and side gardens were shaped to match the existing landform, with retaining walls installed where needed to manage levels and create structure. These walls also allowed the creation of a generous parking area, alongside raised planting beds at the entrance that bring greenery up to window level and soften the house’s architecture.

To the rear of the property, a courtyard garden was created, accessed directly from the house and also through a natural stone arch. The courtyard is designed as a series of raised beds, allowing for a rich mix of planting while maintaining a strong sense of enclosure. A central feature bed, planted with a mature olive tree, anchors the space and creates a sheltered, intimate garden at the heart of the home.

All hard landscaping works were carried out by Ford Landscapes.