Lakehouse.
barn conversion
Our newly retired clients downsized from their antique-filled period home to the picturesque valleys of Devon where they converted two derelict barns into a private home and neighbouring guest house.
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Utilising an old agricultural outbuilding within their vast plot, they sought to create a purpose-built lakehouse to facilitate a holiday let. A key requirement within our brief was to design an intimate courtyard garden that accommodated vehicular access through to the commercial lakehouse beyond.
To achieve this unique private-public divide, the design transitioned between materials and styles to gently guide guests through the garden.
visual zoning
Materials & Planting.
Yew topiary is a slow-growing, evergreen choice for all year interest, clipped into architectural shapes that are repeated throughout the courtyard for symmetry and structure.
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Textural, marginal plants border the swimming pond and include Creeping Jenny, Elephant Ear, and Flag Iris. Functional reed beds naturally filter the freshwater, allowing the aquatic wildlife to thrive.
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Locally sourced limestone is used throughout the design. Large slabs designate pause points while crushed limestone shingle surrounds the pond. This repetition of material offers continuity throughout, transitioning in scale and texture to suit each garden zone.
repurposed antiques
Formal planting accents the barn conversion's contemporary design and delineates the private garden zone.
A quadrant of clipped topiary in raised stone beds echo the antique water feature's tiers. Parasol Lime trees create a canopy over a secluded parterre offering respite from the afternoon sun.
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Our clients wanted to repurpose their vintage billiard table within the design. We incorporated the slate slabs within our hard landscaping, creating the perfect environment for thyme planting to thrive.
orbital garden
Adjacent to the courtyard we designed an orbital garden to transition the space between the landscape's formal and rural areas.
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The antique sundial on plinth is a characterful focal point, adding sculptural intrigue to this sunny spot.
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This orbital space can be enjoyed as one journeys from the formal courtyard towards the wildlife pond and surrounding landscape.
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Contrasting textures of Yew domes and Festuca grass counterbalance the formal cottage planting and topiary with the wilder, verdant flora.
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A granite cobblestone pathway weaves through the landscape. This flexible paving encourages organic growth between the joints to blend with the lawn.
The feature lakehouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is the perfect respite to decompress from life's woes.
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We wanted this outdoor space to harmoniously blend with the agricultural backdrop. A contrasting marginal planting scheme by the wildlife pond accentuates this organic, free-flowing area.
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In a natural dip in the land, we designed a large wildlife swimming pond to immerse oneself in nature.
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Guests can reconnect with nature while freshwater swimming, sunbathing on the jetty, and dining on the lakehouse veranda.
