From overgrown garden to courtyard retreat in North London

"This modern garden design using natural materials has transformed a small overgrown space in North London into a functional and valuable outdoor room"

The garden project brief

It was important for this young couple to have a functional, low maintenance garden to relax and entertain in, with garden lighting to extend their living space outside in the evenings.

The Garden Design

The approach

The garden was overgrown and stealing light from the house so the first job was to clear and ‘open up’ the area using light neutral materials to give the illusion of space yet still keep it private. Two seating areas were created – one by the house for entertaining and one secluded spot at the end of the garden for two to enjoy the evening sun.

The garden construction materials

The original outdoor staircase leading down from the house was steep, uneven and dangerous so this was the first thing to be fixed with new brick and sandstone steps and lighting all the way down. A bespoke metal balustrade adds the finishing touch.

A curved path with railway sleepers leads from the large light beige sandstone terrace to a matching sandstone circle framed at the back with wooden posts that will blend with the planting. This private area surrounded by lush low mainten ance planting provides a focal point from the house and a place to soak up the evening sun. The clean curved lines work well in this small space to lead the eye from one material to the other – blending sandstone, pebbles & cobbles, railway sleepers and lush green lawn to create a modern yet natural effect.

The result

With access only through the house and a small area to work in, this garden build was a challenge. But the result was well worth it. The owners now have an outdoor space unique to them where they can relax and entertain more. Their own courtyard hideaway in North London.

The Flat Plan

Courtyard garden in North London