The clients adored their characterful Surbiton home and its whimsical front garden but found the back garden dark, disconnected, and underused. After extending their house and acquiring additional land, they wanted a design that suited their lifestyle and the period of the property, offering better connections and spaces for family life and entertaining.
The north-facing garden felt enclosed and was limited by level changes and mature cedar trees, restricting major groundworks. The clients wanted to integrate their new side access and extra land while maintaining privacy. Originally considering a swimming pool, they opted instead for a shallow water feature to provide year-round interest.
A structured layout guides movement through the garden, with repeating lines leading from the house into the landscape. A central water feature near the house draws visitors outside, while layered planting softens the space and creates depth. A west-facing garden room with an outdoor kitchen provides a social hub for year-round use. Parking is discreetly positioned to keep the garden as the focal point. Carefully placed trees enhance privacy, and atmospheric lighting extends the garden’s usability into the evening, making it a welcoming retreat in all seasons.

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