The upward slope was split into defined levels to create a generous terrace, wrapped around the house, and at a higher level a long, formal pool with calm lawn beyond and graceful willows. Seen from the house, a glimpse through a door in a distant wall apparently reveals another lush garden-a mirrored reflection of the hidden ‘damp garden’.

Hedges of yew, hornbeam and box run into the space to screen and to add structure. A stepped path leads upward, then around a chicane of hedging to the ‘secret’ damp garden, with its decked walkway flanked by dramatic planting, and finally up to the long grass walk.

Click here for Chase Cottage - Before images