Gothic Mystery in Cheltenham

Location

Central Cheltenham

The brief

The client had strong design ideas for a feature-packed garden including a children’s play area alongside a range of water features, the maintenance of interesting mature planting, and creation of a striking gothic-themed ‘ruin’. As well as having very clear ideas about design preferences for what had become a rambling, overgrown urban space, the client was also very interested in design, which added to the challenge and stimulation of the project.

Project execution

Initial site clearance carefully avoided damaging a number of interesting cedar, maple, yucca and eucalyptus specimens. New boundary fences were then installed before building and landscaping began.

As well as retaining a large homemade stone water feature that held sentimental value for the client, the building works included substantial areas of Marshalls Calder brown paving and gravel, a circular sleeper patio, low sleeper retaining walls, incorporation of several client-sourced features – and the construction of the garden’s gothic temple centrepiece.

Built of reclaimed red bricks and reconstructed stone door and window surrounds, the curving gothic structure eventually included carefully distressed features, arrow slits and bespoke pinpoint mood lighting to enhance the sense of mystery after dark.

Finally, the retained mature trees were supplemented by new planting, bark mulch, plant watering systems and extensive garden lighting.

Main client benefits

• Integration of children’s areas with a sophisticated adult garden.
• Use of existing planting and features.
• Incorporation of several client-sourced features during the project.
• Achievement of a stunning mock-gothic centrepiece.

Main strengths demonstrated

• Sensitivity to existing mature planting.
• Close partnership with a design-aware client.
• Assessment and adaptation of the client’s design plans to ensure workability.
• Planting expertise.
• Expertise in sourcing specialised elements such as the reconstructed stone architectural components.
• Respect for the client’s design ideas, while guiding them to a successful outcome.

Do you have strong design ideas like this client? Please contact us for your free no-obligation consultation.