Village Courtyard Garden

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This architect and his wife created a courtyard garden when their house was annexed from the main building. They designed an extension for an open-plan living, eating and cooking space opening onto the courtyard so the walled space is experienced as an extra room. She wanted vibrant colours with a lush backdrop of fresh green foliage. The orange–red palette of colours and the natural materials of the pebble paving revitalise her after a hard office day. The upper terrace is used for entertaining and playing, with the smaller corner terrace providing cool shade during the day, catching the gentler evening rays for alfresco dining.  The design has prompted  her to become an avid gardener, her new acquisitions spilling over into groups of pots arranged down the steps.

 

To one side of the courtyard the boundary is left low to provide a 'borrowed' view of the unused garden of the neighbouring chapel, a shady area planted with interesting foliage plants. The courtyard entrance provides a framed glimpse from the house to the rear garden. A stream on two sides borders this part of the garden, phase two of the design. It will have a lawn to play on, fruit trees, roses and lavender, a small vegetable garden, informal seating area and a tree house.

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