Estate Garden Redesign with Terraces & Fire Pit
Private Residence
Location: The Summit, Penn, Buckinghamshire
Client: Private Client
Status: Completed
Located on the edge of Beaconsfield, this property enjoys sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. While the house was relatively new, it was undergoing extensive modernisation, including a major extension with a basement pool. This provided the perfect opportunity to completely reshape the limited existing landscaping and create a more cohesive, structured garden.
The design introduced a refined planting scheme with a variety of specimen trees, including an avenue along the driveway, striking parrotia specimens in the borders, and mature box-headed lime trees framing the fire pit area. These elements add scale, structure, and seasonal interest while softening the transition between the house and landscape.
A Grand Entrance & Driveway Transformation
The original blockwork driveway and roundabout were replaced with a contemporary sweeping paved drive, lined with an avenue of trees to create a more welcoming and elegant arrival experience. The front entrance was redefined with wide pedestrian access, leading to the reshaped front door and framed by generous planting beds that soften the architectural lines of the house.
Pathways extend from the entrance to the sides of the house, guiding visitors towards a raised rear terrace and a dedicated fire pit seating area.
Multi-Level Terraces for Outdoor Living
The large raised rear terrace takes advantage of the elevated position, providing spectacular views while ensuring a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Raised planters featuring grasses, hedging, and simple planting break up the space, preventing it from feeling too exposed.
The basement terrace is carefully structured with a series of steps leading up to ground level. Planting is used throughout to define enclosed seating areas, offering sheltered spots for relaxation and outdoor lounging.
A major retaining wall at the rear was clad in natural stone, providing a dramatic yet natural backdrop for the planting. This feature subtly separates the contemporary elements of the outdoor space from the traditional architecture of the main house, ensuring a balanced and cohesive design.
A Major Transformation with Lasting Impact
This garden redesign has completely reimagined the landscape, creating a series of distinct spaces that work harmoniously with the house and its surroundings. Despite being carried out largely during lockdown, the commitment of the clients and construction teams brought the vision to life, resulting in a beautifully structured garden that enhances both aesthetics and function.
If you would like to find out more about this complex build take a look at The Summit blog
Service offered: Design, Landscaping
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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
