Contemporary Cotswold cottage garden design
BRIEF
This period property on the Buckinghamshire–Oxfordshire border had been lovingly restored and improved, but lacked a garden of comparable quality to complement the house.
The owners wanted contemporary garden design ideas with strong visual and emotional impact, while remaining sympathetic to the rustic character of the property and its surroundings. Alongside a more designed aesthetic, they wanted areas with a natural, earthy quality, incorporating natural rock and Mediterranean planting.
The brief also included several seating areas, interesting views from different parts of the garden, a naturalistic water feature with the sound of running water, and a creative way of retaining the existing well. As keen gardeners, the owners wanted less lawn and considerably more space for planting.
DESIGN SOLUTION
Our design combines contemporary structure with traditional and natural materials to strengthen the connection between house and garden.
Graphite-coloured Van De Mortel clay pavers form sweeping curves relating to an existing boundary wall. Two circular lawns, stepping stones and a curved bench continue this geometry, while straighter paths cut across the curves to add contrast and direction.
A naturalistic stream flows between substantial Cotswold stone boulders into a reflecting pool, linking visually with stone used elsewhere on the property. A filtration system maintains clear water, allowing native fish to be seen within the pool.
Mature multi-stem trees provide immediate structure and create glimpsed views between different areas. Evergreen pines, olives and Arbutus add year-round form and continue the subtle Mediterranean character.
A sun terrace uses composite charred-effect timber decking, combining rustic texture with contemporary detailing. The existing well became an unusual feature: covered with structural glass set flush into the deck so it can be walked over, and illuminated at night to reveal its full depth.
Elsewhere, a feature wall combines charred timber with an ornamental Corten steel panel based on an organic branch structure that echoes the twisted stems of the multi-stem trees. A remote-controlled lighting scheme, including tree uplighters, adds another layer after dark.
Generous planting beds include gravel, woodland, waterside and ornamental perennial zones. Rather than separating these rigidly, planting, lawn, Cotswold stone chippings and paving merge into one another, creating a more fluid journey through the garden.
This garden took approximately 2 months to build and we documented creation of the garden:
This garden is in Buckinghamshire. We also design gardens across Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and across the UK
