‘Our garden’s transformation far exceeded our expectations. Frederic’s ability to interpret our brief has given us the space we dreamt of for years. Our garden is now very much part of our home.’ Antonia Bedford

A renovated, double-fronted Victorian seaside villa.   Past landscaping interventions had been limited to the functional.  The main objective was to invert the existing gravel forecourt and lawn, providing a new vehicular entrance at the front.  A lawn, dining and seating areas were also requested. 

The aesthetic aims to create an airy, structured garden to evocative of elegant coastal living.  Materials and planting are redolent of New England.  The layout is simple, uncluttered and user-friendly.  Planting is simple and pared-back.  Structural trees and shrubs create shelter and definition between areas.  Planting zones complement one another.  A palette of greens, whites, pastel pinks and blues enhance the fresh, open atmosphere. 

The existing gravel parking area was re-designated as lawn. The fence separating this area from the terrace was eliminated. This area remains the main outdoor dining area: screening from the road is enhanced by pleached Hornbeam. Generously proportioned steps lead down from the south terrace to the new parking area with space-saving sliding gates. A timber hit and miss fence surrounds the property, and the boundaries are punctuated by small, flowering trees. The use of grey stone and clay pavers throughout matches the house.