Set within the expansive grounds of a family farmhouse, this garden design transforms a large Berkshire estate into a tranquil retreat that celebrates the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Our vision was to create a thoughtful, biodiverse landscape, transforming lawns, woodland and a natural brook into a series of connected outdoor spaces for the family to enjoy.
A key challenge was managing the transition from the manicured lawns near the house to the wilder meadows, particularly on the site’s sloping gradient. Our solution was to embrace the topography, allowing the formal lawn to soften into flowing wildflower meadows that follow the natural contours of the land. This creates a gentle, intuitive progression rather than an abrupt boundary, drawing the eye down towards the brook.
We commissioned a new bridge over the brook, creating a wheelchair-accessible crossing that acts as both a physical link and an invitation to explore. A meandering path now leads from the house, across the brook, and into the grounds beyond, where a striking stone sculpture marks the start of the woodland trail. The woodland itself was a beautiful but largely underused part of the grounds. To give it a clear purpose, our team created a destination at its heart: a clearing that reveals a shepherd’s hut and firepit. This provides an inviting setting for socialising in nature, transforming the woods into a valued part of the family’s daily life.
Throughout the landscape, a curated palette of wildflower planting provides evolving colour and texture, establishing a rich, natural habitat for pollinators and supporting the long-term ecological health of the estate.
Landscape Design
Berkshire
Delivered
The Secret Landscape Company