Client Brief
Set within the grounds of a period manor house near Leamington Spa, this courtyard garden was intended as a private and immersive retreat, backing onto a pool house. The clients sought a space for intimate gatherings, refined outdoor dining, and relaxed lounging—all wrapped in soft, seasonal planting.

Design Response
Taking cues from the surrounding architecture and brick-walled enclosure, the garden was organised into a layered series of terraces and transitions. A sunken seating area sits at the heart of the design, enclosed by abundant planting and facing a tranquil water feature. Subtle level changes and wide paved thresholds provide rhythm and journey through the space.

A covered pergola frames the dining area, integrating an outdoor kitchen and defining a space for longer stays and evening use. Planting was designed to contrast formal hedging with loose perennial and grass-based schemes, offering visual softness while preserving structure throughout the year.

Every element—from bespoke benching to oversized planters—was designed for elegant functionality, resulting in a richly planted courtyard that invites lingering and conversation while feeling grounded in its historic context.