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A garden transformation in central Cheltenham

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An oasis of calm, in a small space


Type: Small Urban Courtyard Garden Design
Area: Cheltenham
The garden
A contemporary sanctuary designed for calm, texture and year-round interest
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Small but perfectly formed, a stylish space to unwind

Overview:

This Cheltenham garden transformation was designed for a client seeking a calm, low-maintenance sanctuary to return to after time spent away with work. While the interior of the home was beautifully styled, the garden told a very different story – tired, uninspiring and disconnected from the house.

The brief was to create a garden that felt like a true extension of the home – somewhere to sit, unwind and enjoy throughout the seasons, with a strong focus on texture, planting and ease of maintenance.

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While the interior of the home was beautifully styled, the garden told a very different story.

Design Approach

A key early decision was to replace the existing decked steps leading from the house. While initially intended to remain, they felt out of keeping with the refined interior, so we introduced stone steps to create a more cohesive transition between inside and out. At the same time, we resolved issues with the rear doors, installing new French doors and improving the connection to the garden.

The layout was reworked to address the long, narrow proportions of the space. Rather than reinforcing this, we introduced an angular, geometric design that subtly widens the garden and creates a more dynamic journey.

A series of zones were designed for flexibility – a quieter seating area near the house and a larger entertaining space by the garden office. A central water feature anchors the space, drawing the eye through the garden.

Planting reflects the client’s love of tropical species and low maintenance approach – we designed and welded bespoke steel raised planters on site which add warmth and structure while also supporting practical gardening.

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Where every detail counts

Key Features
  • Complete garden redesign and build in Cheltenham
  • Replacement stone steps and new French doors to improve flow from the house
  • Angular, geometric layout to visually widen a long, narrow garden
  • Multiple seating areas positioned for different times of day
  • Central water feature creating a strong focal point
  • Hoggin and set pathways for texture and visual interest
  • Bespoke steel raised planters, fabricated on site
  • Tropical planting scheme designed for impact and manageability

 

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Result

The finished garden is a rich, immersive space that feels both contemporary and deeply calming. Every element has been considered – from the materials underfoot to the structure of the planting – resulting in a garden that feels cohesive, intentional and easy to live with.

For the client, it offers a place to return to and truly switch off – a private sanctuary that reflects the style and quality of the home itself. For us, it’s a project that demonstrates how thoughtful design can completely reshape the experience of a garden, turning a forgotten space into something genuinely restorative.