Chiltern Manor Park – A Terraced Garden with Far-Reaching Views

Private Residence

Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Private Client

Status: Completed

Service Offer: Designed and Landscaped by CGLA

This Chilterns garden enjoys sweeping views from its elevated position, but the main terrace was previously compromised by a failing retaining wall, uneven paving and a steep drop to the lawn. The terrace was too small for entertaining and caught little sun, while the generous front garden lacked structure and only drew attention to the house’s less attractive façade.

Garden Design Brief

The brief called for a functional and elegant garden that would make better use of the site’s levels, provide space for entertaining, and create a more welcoming approach to the house. The design needed to blend practicality with naturalistic planting, while softening the architecture and enhancing the site’s outlook.

Reimagining Levels and Terraces

CGLA introduced a new sunlit terrace at a lower level, accessed by broad steps and dramatic “floating” corten treads leading down to the lawn. Careful handling of the levels removed the need for balustrading, while clipped hedging framed the space, added enclosure, and created a seamless link to the surrounding landscape.

Planting was layered into the existing terrace to add texture and seasonal interest, while new steps improved access to the lawns. The design maximises views across the valley while ensuring the spaces are practical for everyday use.

Planting for Structure and Welcome

At the front of the property, a bold new planting bed now anchors the house within its setting, providing structure, colour and year-round interest with minimal maintenance. A later phase extended this scheme after the removal of a large conifer, continuing the same style to create a cohesive and inviting approach.

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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