Tucked within a mature tree-lined plot, this garden in Bassett was reimagined as a series of atmospheric spaces — places to cook, gather, rest and retreat — all held within a subtle balance of natural texture and crisp modern lines.
The garden is arranged across two distinct levels. Closest to the house, a generous paved terrace was laid using large-format porcelain, chosen for its warm, variegated tones and refined detailing. The surface feels architectural yet calm, allowing furniture, planting, and light to sit easily across it. Pots spill with colour against the paving, softening the scene while encouraging a sense of movement and seasonal change.
Running along the rear boundary, a sleek, timber-slatted screen provides privacy and a contemporary backdrop to the garden. Lights are strung along its length, bringing warmth and atmosphere in the evening — a simple gesture that animates the space and gives the terrace a welcoming glow after dark. At night, the screen becomes an ambient focal point, tying the whole garden together with a line of light and rhythm.
One of the key features in this build is the bespoke outdoor kitchen — a fully integrated, stone-clad structure incorporating a built-in BBQ, drawers, and refrigeration, all in stainless steel. It offers the practical heart of the outdoor space, with crisp lines and durable surfaces allowing for both visual clarity and everyday functionality. Stone-effect cladding was used to wrap the kitchen and low retaining walls nearby, tying these new elements together with a uniform, textured finish. The stone complements the porcelain perfectly, bridging rustic tones with contemporary refinement.
To one side, a hot tub is set into a private corner, framed by woodland planting and glimpses through the fencing. It sits slightly sunken into its setting, offering a sheltered space to unwind while remaining connected to the rest of the garden. The surrounding planting helps this moment feel soft and enclosed, almost like a retreat within the retreat.
Level changes were resolved using a combination of new clad walls and traditionally built drystone walling — the latter providing a rustic counterpoint to the sleek paving and joinery. These walls run along the edges of the terrace, planted into their joints and crowned with turf, creating an informal divide between levels while maintaining a sense of openness and flow. The contrast between stone and porcelain is one of the garden’s most defining features — bringing together weight and lightness, rough and smooth, modern and timeless.
This was a build that required both precision and restraint — carefully stitching together rustic and refined, softness and structure. The result is a garden that feels easy and comfortable, but highly resolved. It encourages relaxed living, with space to cook, to eat, to lounge and to wander — all set quietly against a woodland edge.