A structured coastal garden inspired by the property’s nineteenth-century origins and the eclecticism of the period’s architectural style.   Situated on the clifftop at Aldeburgh, the property benefits from views of the sea.  One of the main challenges was to integrate a communal gravel drive into the overall design.  

We created two spaces, disguising the drive as a gravel garden.  An axial path, laid with brick pavers links the two.  The upper garden consists of a dining terrace, lawn, and borders.  The shelter of an old wall is enhanced by a woven willow screen.  A small ornamental tree (Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’) is framed by the screen’s descending curve. Pavers edge the lawn.  The existing ornamental water tank has been restored.  An ochre limewash evokes the romantic period gardens of Sintra, Portugal.  Planting is a layered mix of resilient cottage garden favourites and coastal planting.  

The lower garden consists of a long, narrow brick paver and gravel terrace with views over Aldeburgh’s rooftops to the sea.  Planting is a mix of coastal shrubs, perennials and grasses.  Self-seeding is encouraged.  An amphora punctuates the axial path. 

In the NE corner, a contemporary garden room has been installed.