It was a fairly typical backyard – slightly sloping lawn, foliage around the edges, a few failing fruit trees and neighbours on all sides. The transformation was total. And the final result is a private, relaxed outdoor living area with a stunning view.

When it came to re-vamping their garden, the owners of this Villa had several objectives. First, they wanted to create their own outdoor view. Second, they wanted to bring back to the Villa a sense of the English cottage garden, hence the demolition brick paths and paving. Third, create a place in the shade to kick back out of the sun during those hot summer months Last but by no means least, the garden was to be low maintenance containing a mix of native and old world plantings with a variations in colour, texture and form.

Once we had all these elements incorporated into the plan we suggested they increase the size of their veranda, adding on to create a deck. This would create outdoor flow and enable it to be used for outdoor dining and entertaining. We have been told “What a fabulous idea. It’s been used so much.”