Sussex Country Garden

This recently completed project transformed a private garden within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, creating a refined and cohesive outdoor space that complements the Arts and Crafts-style house while enhancing privacy and tranquillity.

A key part of the project brief was the reuse of all existing hard landscape materials, which were successfully incorporated into the new design. This sustainable approach reduced waste and environmental impact while helping to retain a sense of place and continuity within the garden.

At the heart of the design is the reimagining of the original pond, which has been reshaped into a series of reflective pools linked by gently flowing water channels. These water features reference Italianate and Moorish gardens and relate to the existing avenue of Italian cypress trees, an unusual feature in an Arts & Crafts country garden but one which creates a strong axial relationship, anchoring the space and drawing the eye through the landscape.

The overall garden structure was refined by removing non-functional elements and introducing a strategic, naturalistic planting scheme, designed to soften edges and bring seasonal interest. As the garden matures, it will continue to evolve into a serene, contemplative space—celebrating the interplay of water, planting, and architectural form, set within the beautiful East Sussex countryside.

We can't wait to re-visit to photograph the garden once it's matured!