How to Create a Stunning Contemporary Entertaining Garden

Private Residence

Gerrards Cross

Private Client

Status: Completed

This stunning Arts & Crafts-style home in Gerrards Cross had recently undergone a full interior renovation, highlighting the need for a high-quality, elegant garden design to match. The original landscaping featured a dated two-level patio with poor-quality paving, an awkward layout, and a lack of shade—leaving the rear elevations exposed to intense sunlight.

The homeowners wanted a sophisticated yet relaxed outdoor space, perfect for elegant entertaining and quiet family time. The design brief included a revamped main patio with a water feature, an outdoor kitchen with a covered pergola dining area, and a new level lawn, seamlessly connecting to the sloped garden beyond.

A Contemporary Patio with Elegant Features

At the heart of the transformation is a large contemporary patio, designed to complement the home’s classic architecture while introducing a crisper, more refined layout. The CGLA team incorporated sett detailing and a new retaining wall, creating a well-defined space that provides structure while enhancing the garden’s flow.

A striking Tristan Cockerill water feature was introduced to bring scale, movement, and soothing sound to the space, creating a tranquil atmosphere that enhances both relaxation and social gatherings. Surrounding the patio, rich perennial planting is softened by evergreen shapes and ornamental grasses, ensuring the garden remains vibrant throughout the seasons.

Outdoor Kitchen & Pergola Dining Area

One of the key features of this redesign was the addition of a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, positioned under a stylish pergola to provide shade and protection from the elements. The woodland walk, a thoughtfully planted pathway, leads from the kitchen area to the covered dining pergola, offering an immersive and natural transition between spaces. The pergola can also be accessed directly from the main patio, ensuring a seamless connection between different entertaining zones.

Seamless Integration & Long-Term Enhancements

Beyond the main terrace, a new level lawn was introduced, providing an open, versatile space before leading to the gently sloped garden beyond. This creates a natural flow through the landscape while offering a practical area for both play and relaxation.

Once the designs were complete, the CGLA landscaping team carried out the full installation, with Project Managers and Designers overseeing every stage to ensure that every detail aligned with the vision. Over time, planting enhancements to the front and rear gardens have been added, further refining the balance between contemporary style and timeless elegance.

A Garden Designed for Elegance & Functionality

This project perfectly blends modern garden design with the character of an Arts & Crafts home, ensuring the outdoor space feels both contemporary and timeless. With carefully considered hard landscaping, a thoughtfully positioned outdoor kitchen, and elegant planting, this garden is now a versatile retreat for both entertaining and everyday family life.

Ready to Transform Your Garden?

Contact us today to discuss your Gerrards Cross garden project, and let’s create a space that enhances your home and lifestyle.

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CGLA are an award winning team of Landscape Architects, Garden Designers  Landscapers and Garden Maintenance Operatives working in Buckinghamshire, London and the South East, as well as on prestigious design projects across the UK and abroad. We are currently working in Oman, Jersey and France, and welcome enquires for design, landscaping or garden maintenance. Contact us here