This garden space was to be used primarily for family meals and gatherings, but in a stylish setting.

The garden was originally a tired area of old lawn, as shown in the before image. The major challenge was that there was no access on either side of the house for taking materials in and out.

We overcame this problem by putting protective sheets down in the house every day and by having incredibly patient clients!

The rendered walls give the garden a light, Mediterranean feel, and the soft red of the brickwork sets off the pale colour of the walls.

The shed — or perhaps we should call it a summerhouse — had to stay for several reasons, but it was painted a modern dark grey to help it blend in.

The original site had a slight slope. This was removed by introducing the single step shown in the second image.

The three large pots, planted with topiarised box, create a strong focal point, as does the stainless-steel water feature on the opposite side.

The contemporary planting was restricted to large drifts of Pennisetum alopecuroides, miscanthus and several large, shaped holly trees.