Following a recent extension to their home, the clients sought to turn a steep, disjointed garden into a calm, elegant space that could be both enjoyed daily and shared with guests. The existing site had uneven levels, impractical steps, and no real place to relax. Their goal was to create a garden that flowed naturally from the interior, maintained a sense of privacy, and offered a low-maintenance yet highly considered design.

They also wanted a space that would feel like a genuine continuation of the kitchen — clean, structured, and full of subtle texture — rather than a traditional “garden” in the conventional sense.

Design Response

The new kitchen extension created a strong architectural spine, but also introduced a sharp drop into the outdoor space. Rather than fighting the levels, we allowed the design to step gently with the landscape — creating large floating porcelain platforms that became natural terraces. These formed two core zones: one for dining, the other for lounging, each placed to follow the light and daily use patterns.

We used large-format porcelain tiles that matched the internal flooring, creating a visual extension from inside to out. A bespoke shed and side gate were seamlessly integrated, while mitred tile cladding gave the entire scheme a refined, architectural finish. Planting was intentionally layered and seasonal, bringing texture and softness to the clean geometry.

To protect the site’s mature copper beech tree, the bowing boundary wall was carefully dismantled and rebuilt atop a bridging system. Beneath the main patio, we installed a 3,000-litre underground rainwater harvesting tank — feeding a fully automated irrigation system and supporting long-term sustainability.

Testimonial

“Our garden project was something we had been mulling over for years. We knew we wanted an extension of our kitchen — another living space — but with tricky levels and limited space, we couldn’t imagine achieving anything truly functional or beautiful.

We met Tom while he was working on our neighbour’s garden and were immediately struck by his attitude, style, and the quality of his work. Seeing the finished result next door gave us the confidence to move forward — it was a significant investment, so choosing the right person mattered. We’ve not been disappointed for a single moment.

From the outset, Tom grasped our vision and elevated it — delivering a lush, spacious garden we never thought possible. He and his team were easy to work with, polite, tidy, and respectful throughout. I rarely recommend people, but Tom Wolstenholme is a true exception. Our garden is living proof of his ability.

Thank you to Tom and the team for making our dream a reality.”