Garden Design for Period Properties

A period property gives a garden designer something particularly valuable to work with: character.

The architecture may already contain:

• Strong proportions

• Traditional materials

• Mature trees

• Old walls

• Established boundaries

• Historic features

• Carefully framed views.

But designing a garden for a period property does not mean recreating a historic garden.

The strongest designs balance two things:

the character of the property + the way the garden needs to function today.

That might mean combining a Victorian, Edwardian or other older house with:

• Contemporary terraces

• Outdoor dining

• Naturalistic planting

• Garden lighting

• Outdoor kitchens

• Pergolas

• Water features

• Modern seating

• Improved privacy.

The objective is not historical imitation.

It is to create a garden that feels appropriate to the architecture, the landscape and contemporary life.

Kirman Design creates bespoke gardens for period properties throughout North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Ribble Valley.

What Is a Period Property?

The term period property can describe homes from several architectural eras.

These may include:

• Georgian houses

• Victorian houses

• Edwardian houses

• Arts and Crafts properties

• Traditional cottages

• Historic villas

• Older country houses.

Each has its own character.

The garden should therefore respond to the individual building rather than follow a generic idea of what a “period garden” should look like.

Garden Design for Victorian Houses

Victorian properties can range from urban terraces to substantial detached houses.

Our Garden Design for Victorian Houses page explores how Victorian architecture can work with:

• Contemporary landscaping

• Naturalistic planting

• Outdoor living

• Specimen trees

• Modern materials.

The objective should be to respect the house without creating a pastiche of nineteenth-century gardening.

Garden Design for Edwardian Houses

Edwardian houses can provide particularly generous relationships between house and garden.

Our Garden Design for Edwardian Houses page explores how these properties can work with:

• Larger terraces

• Strong planting

• Modern extensions

• Outdoor kitchens

• Contemporary garden design.

Garden Design for Listed Buildings

Some period properties are listed.

Where this is the case, additional heritage considerations may apply.

Our Garden Design for Listed Buildings page explores how a landscape can be designed around a historically important property.

Listed-building status can influence:

• Structures

• Boundaries

• Materials

• Work close to the house.

Period Properties and Conservation Areas

Many period homes are located within conservation areas.

This does not mean contemporary garden design is automatically inappropriate.

However, it can mean additional care is needed around:

• Trees

• Boundaries

• Front gardens

• Structures

• Historic materials.

The design should respond to the character of the wider setting as well as the individual house.

Should a Period Property Have a Traditional Garden?

Not necessarily.

A period house can work successfully with:

• Traditional design

• Contemporary design

• Formal gardens

• Country gardens

• Naturalistic planting

• Modern outdoor living.

The important issue is not whether the garden is historically authentic.

It is whether the design feels appropriate.

Contemporary Garden Design for Period Properties

Contemporary landscaping can create a particularly strong contrast with older architecture.

But contemporary does not have to mean:

• Stark

• Minimal

• Grey

• Hard.

Our Contemporary Garden Ideas page explores how contemporary design can use:

• Controlled geometry

• High-quality materials

• Architectural trees

• Generous planting

• Precise detailing.

This can work exceptionally well against a period façade.

Modern Garden Design for Older Houses

Modern gardens can also work beautifully with historic buildings.

Our Modern Garden Ideas page explores how simple geometry and modern outdoor living can be introduced without making the garden feel disconnected from the house.

The best modern period-property gardens often rely on:

• Restraint

• Proportion

• Repetition

• Planting

• Material quality.

Let the House Influence the Garden

Before deciding where the patio, path or planting should go, study the architecture.

Look at:

• Door positions

• Window centres

• Building corners

• Bays

• Materials

• Roof lines

• Extensions.

Some of these lines can help establish the geometry of the landscape.

They may influence:

• Patio edges

• Paths

• Planting beds

• Focal points

• Water features.

But good design does not mechanically extend every architectural line into the garden.

It chooses the relationships that matter.

Views From Inside a Period Property

The garden should be designed from the house as well as from within the garden.

Important views may come from:

• Kitchen

• Dining room

• Living room

• Hallway

• Bedroom.

A carefully positioned:

• Specimen tree

• Multi-stem tree

• Sculpture

• Water feature

• Planting composition

can create visual interest throughout the year.

Our Indoor Outdoor Garden Design page explores this relationship between house and garden.

Period Properties With Extensions

Many older properties have been significantly extended.

This can create a combination of:

historic house + contemporary extension + older garden

The landscape can become the element that connects them.

Our Garden Design After a House Extension page explores how a garden can be redesigned after major building work.

Where the extension has not yet been built, our Garden Design for New Extensions page explains why garden design can be considered alongside the architecture rather than afterwards.

Period Properties With Bifold Doors

Contemporary extensions often introduce bifold doors to older houses.

Our Garden Design Around Bifold Doors page explores how the landscape can respond to:

• Large glazed openings

• New thresholds

• Changed views

• Outdoor dining.

The design should avoid the common mistake of simply placing a large rectangle of paving outside the doors.

Period Properties With Sliding Doors

Sliding doors can create even stronger panoramic views into the garden.

Our Garden Design Around Sliding Doors page explores how planting, paving and focal points can be coordinated with the internal space.

Creating a Seamless Transition Between House and Garden

A seamless transition does not necessarily require identical internal and external flooring.

The connection can instead be created through:

• Sightlines

• Levels

• Material tones

• Planting

• Repetition

• Strong views.

Our Creating a Seamless Transition from House to Garden page explores these principles.

Patio Design for Period Properties

A patio should be designed around:

• Furniture

• Dining

• Circulation

• Views

• Sun

• Shade

• Planting.

It should not simply occupy all available space next to the house.

Our Garden Patio Ideas page explores how patio size, shape and position affect the whole garden.

Natural Stone for Period Properties

Natural stone can work beautifully with older architecture.

It can provide:

• Texture

• Variation

• Character

• Visual connection with traditional materials.

But not every period house requires traditional stone.

The material should be chosen as part of the overall composition.

Porcelain Paving for Period Homes

High-quality porcelain can also work extremely well.

It can provide:

• Contemporary contrast

• Clean detailing

• Consistent colour

• Precise geometry.

The question should not be:

“Is porcelain too modern for an old house?”

It should be:

“Does this material belong within the overall design?”

Brick in Period Garden Design

Brick can create a strong connection with traditional architecture.

It may be used for:

• Paths

• Walls

• Edging

• Steps

• Raised planters.

A complementary brick can often work better than attempting an exact match.

Gravel in Period Gardens

Gravel can help soften the relationship between:

• Architecture

• Paving

• Planting

• Lawn.

It can be particularly effective for:

• Secondary paths

• Courtyards

• Informal terraces

• Country properties.

Garden Walls Around Period Houses

Walls can play both practical and architectural roles.

They may:

• Define spaces

• Retain levels

• Create planting areas

• Frame views

• Form boundaries.

Our Garden Wall Ideas page explores these possibilities.

Retaining Walls

Where a period house sits on sloping ground, retaining walls may be needed.

These should not be treated as purely engineering structures.

Our Garden Retaining Walls page explores how structural requirements, drainage and visual design can be coordinated.

Raised Planters

Raised planters can be useful where they:

• Define terraces

• Bring planting closer to seating

• Manage levels

• Create boundaries

• Integrate seating.

Our Raised Planter Construction page explores how these features can be integrated into the wider garden.

Planting Design for Period Properties

Planting is often the element that makes contemporary landscaping feel at home beside an older house.

A new landscape can feel too hard or recently constructed if it lacks:

• Depth

• Height

• Seasonal change

• Maturity.

Our Garden Planting Ideas page explores how trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses can create structure and atmosphere.

Does Planting Need to Be Historically Accurate?

No.

A garden around an older house does not need to become a historical recreation.

The planting should instead respond to:

• Soil

• Light

• Exposure

• Maintenance

• Privacy

• Design character.

Traditional Planting

For clients who prefer a traditional feel, planting might include:

• Roses

• Climbers

• Herbaceous perennials

• Flowering shrubs

• Hedging

• Ornamental trees.

The aim should be to capture character rather than reproduce a specific historical period.

Naturalistic Planting

Naturalistic planting can create a particularly attractive contrast against strong period architecture.

Grasses and perennials can provide:

• Movement

• Texture

• Seasonal change

• Wildlife value.

Structural Planting

Evergreen and woody planting can provide the framework.

This might include:

• Yew

• Holly

• Hedging

• Evergreen shrubs

• Architectural foliage.

Seasonal planting can then sit within that structure.

Trees for Period Properties

Trees often make a new garden feel more appropriate beside an older building.

They provide:

• Scale

• Privacy

• Shade

• Character

• Maturity.

The right tree can visually anchor the house into the wider landscape.

Specimen Trees

A carefully selected specimen tree can immediately increase the sense of maturity.

It may provide:

• Focal point

• Privacy

• Seasonal interest

• Architectural form.

The position should be selected as part of the entire composition.

Multi-Stem Trees

Multi-stem trees can work particularly well around period architecture.

They offer:

• Filtered screening

• Layered foliage

• Softer form

• Seasonal interest.

They can also help bridge the visual difference between an old house and new landscaping.

Privacy Around Period Properties

Many older homes have been affected by:

• New neighbouring extensions

• Infill development

• Upper-storey windows

• Changed boundary conditions.

Our Garden Privacy Ideas page explores how privacy can be created without simply making every boundary higher.

Screen the View, Not Necessarily the Boundary

Identify the actual sightline.

Ask:

• Where are you sitting?

• Which window overlooks you?

• At what height?

• Which view needs interrupting?

Then consider:

• Trees

• Internal screens

• Pergolas

• Layered planting.

Our Garden Screening Ideas page explores these options.

Pergolas for Period Properties

Pergolas can work within both traditional and contemporary schemes.

They might provide:

• Shade

• Shelter

• Privacy

• Dining space

• Architectural structure.

Our Pergola Ideas page explores how pergolas can be integrated into the wider garden rather than treated as standalone products.

Outdoor Living Around Period Houses

A period house can still support thoroughly contemporary outdoor living.

Our Outdoor Living Garden Design page explores how landscapes can integrate:

• Dining

• Lounging

• Cooking

• Fire

• Lighting

• Shelter.

The key is to let the garden respond to both the house and the way the client wants to live.

Creating an Outdoor Room

Outdoor rooms can be particularly effective within period gardens.

Our Creating an Outdoor Room page explores how paving, planting, screening and structures can create distinct places within a larger landscape.

Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen can work perfectly well beside an older house.

The important issue is integration.

Our Garden Design Around an Outdoor Kitchen page explores how:

• Kitchen

• Dining

• House

• Services

• Planting

should be coordinated.

Outdoor Dining

The dining area should be designed around:

• Table size

• Number of guests

• Kitchen access

• Sun

• Shade

• Shelter.

Our Garden Design for Outdoor Dining page explores this in more detail.

Designing for Entertaining

Period properties can provide exceptional settings for gardens designed around entertaining.

Our Garden Design for Entertaining page explores how:

• Dining

• Lounge seating

• Cooking

• Fire

• Lighting

can work together as one landscape.

Garden Lighting for Period Properties

Lighting can highlight:

• Trees

• Planting

• Steps

• Water

• Architectural details.

But a period house and garden should not feel over-lit.

Our Garden Lighting Ideas page explains how to use darkness as part of the design.

Lighting Views From Inside

After dark, the garden should still provide visual depth from inside the house.

Rather than seeing:

bright patio → darkness

consider creating:

• Foreground

• Middle distance

• Background.

Lighting trees or planting beyond the main terrace can make the garden feel much larger at night.

Water Features

Water can work within traditional, contemporary and naturalistic period gardens.

Options may include:

• Reflecting pools

• Rills

• Ponds

• Water walls

• Wildlife ponds.

Our Garden Water Feature Ideas page explores these approaches.

Fire Pits

A fire pit can create a contemporary gathering space without detracting from the architecture.

Our Garden Design Around a Fire Pit page explores how the fire feature, seating, planting and circulation should be considered as one space.

Paths in Period Gardens

Paths should do more than connect two points.

They can:

• Direct views

• Slow movement

• Reveal the garden gradually

• Create hierarchy.

Our Garden Path Ideas page explores how routes influence the way a landscape is experienced.

Garden Steps

Older houses often have complicated relationships with external levels.

Our Garden Steps page explores how steps can be designed as part of the landscape rather than inserted as an afterthought.

Garden Levels Around Older Properties

Historic alterations, previous patios and later extensions can create awkward levels.

Our Garden Levelling page explains why the solution is not always to make the entire garden flat.

The right approach may involve:

• Regrading

• Terracing

• Retaining

• Carefully positioned steps.

Sloping Period Gardens

Many older properties were built on sloping or irregular sites.

Our Sloping Garden Ideas page explores how slopes can become an asset.

Possible solutions include:

• Terraces

• Retaining walls

• Steps

• Planted banks.

Garden Terracing

Where levels need to be managed, terracing can create usable spaces.

Our Garden Terracing page explores how terraces can be connected through planting, walls and steps.

The garden should feel layered rather than fragmented.

Drainage Around Period Properties

Drainage is particularly important where new hard landscaping is introduced close to an older building.

The design should consider:

• Ground levels

• Surface-water runoff

• Falls

• Thresholds

• Existing drains.

Our Garden Drainage Installation page explores professional garden drainage solutions.

North-Facing Period Gardens

Older houses can cast substantial shade across their gardens.

This does not mean the space cannot be attractive or useful.

Our North-Facing Gardens page explores:

• Shade planting

• Seating positions

• Lighting

• Materials

• Privacy.

The aim should be to use the available light intelligently rather than trying to make the garden behave as though it faces south.

Period Front Garden Design

The front garden is often an important part of the character of a historic property.

It creates the sequence:

street → boundary → garden → entrance → house

Potential elements include:

• Gates

• Walls

• Paths

• Hedges

• Trees

• Planting.

These should complement the architecture without becoming overly ornate.

Long Narrow Period Gardens

Victorian and other older urban houses can have long, narrow rear gardens.

Our Long Narrow Garden Design page explores how to avoid:

patio → lawn → shed

as the only organising idea.

Instead, consider:

• Cross-garden lines

• Partial screening

• Layered planting

• Offset paths

• Secondary destinations.

Wide Period Gardens

Larger detached period houses can have very broad plots.

Our Wide Garden Design page explores how to create greater depth through:

• Layered planting

• Tree placement

• Diagonal views

• Side-by-side garden rooms.

Large Period Gardens

Large plots need more than extra features.

They need structure.

Our Large Garden Design page explores:

• Hierarchy

• Routes

• Trees

• Main terrace

• Secondary destinations

• Planting.

Our Large Garden Ideas page provides broader inspiration for substantial gardens.

Garden Design for Country Houses

Period houses in rural settings need to respond to more than the building.

They need to respond to the landscape.

Our Garden Design for Country Houses page explores gardens where the relationship between house and wider countryside becomes central to the design.

Garden Design for Country Gardens

Our Garden Design for Country Gardens page explores how a landscape can become progressively softer away from the house:

architecture → terrace → garden → meadow → countryside

This can be particularly effective around period properties.

Period Properties in Rural Settings

Older rural properties may also require consideration of:

• Existing hedges

• Mature trees

• Orchards

• Views

• Agricultural land

• Historic boundaries.

The garden should feel like it belongs to the place rather than creating an urban landscape in a rural setting.

Lawns in Period Gardens

A lawn can provide useful visual calm between:

• Architecture

• Trees

• Planting

• Features.

But lawn should not simply fill whatever space is left.

Its:

• Shape

• Size

• Position

should contribute to the wider composition.

Period Gardens Without Lawns

There is no reason a period property must have a lawn.

Smaller gardens might work better with:

• Deep planting

• Gravel

• Trees

• Paths

• Terraces.

This can often create more character and reduce maintenance.

Low-Maintenance Period Gardens

Low maintenance does not have to mean removing the qualities that make a garden attractive.

Instead, use:

• Appropriate plant choices

• Strong evergreen structure

• Larger planting groups

• Sensible lawn areas

• Durable materials.

The goal is to remove unnecessary maintenance, not remove the garden.

Wildlife-Friendly Period Gardens

Older gardens often already contain valuable ecological features such as:

• Mature trees

• Old hedges

• Walls

• Established shrubs.

These can be retained and strengthened through:

• Pollinator planting

• Native or wildlife-friendly hedging

• Water

• Trees

• Habitat areas.

Planning Permission for Landscaping a Period Property

Many ordinary garden works will not require planning permission.

However, period properties can be more likely to raise planning or heritage considerations.

These may involve:

• Raised terraces

• Boundary alterations

• Major structures

• Protected trees

• Significant level changes

• Listed-building status.

Our Do I Need Planning Permission to Landscape My Garden? page explains the main issues to consider.

Listed Building Consent

Planning permission and listed building consent are not the same thing.

If the house is listed, certain works affecting its special architectural or historic interest may require additional consent.

That is why heritage status should be established before detailed landscape proposals are finalised.

Protected Trees

Period gardens often contain mature trees.

Before assuming a tree can be removed, check whether it is subject to:

• Tree Preservation Order

• Conservation-area controls.

Mature trees can also be some of the most valuable elements of the design.

Do I Need Garden Design Drawings?

For a simple planting improvement, extensive drawings may be unnecessary.

For a complete transformation involving:

• Paving

• Levels

• Drainage

• Walls

• Structures

• Planting

• Lighting

a coordinated design package can be extremely useful.

Our Do I Need Drawings for My Garden? page explains when garden drawings add value.

How Much Does Period Property Garden Design Cost?

Design fees depend on:

• Garden size

• Complexity

• Scope

• Required drawings

• Technical requirements.

Our Garden Design Cost page explains the main factors that influence professional design fees.

How Much Does Landscaping a Period Garden Cost?

There is no special rate simply because the house is old.

The main cost drivers include:

• Site access

• Excavation

• Groundworks

• Drainage

• Levels

• Paving

• Walls

• Trees

• Planting

• Specialist features.

Our Landscaping Cost page explains these factors.

For complete redesigns, our Garden Transformation Cost page explores whole-project budgeting.

Should I Use a Garden Designer?

For a substantial period-property landscape, professional design can help coordinate:

• Architecture

• Materials

• Levels

• Views

• Planting

• Privacy

• Outdoor living.

Our Do I Need a Garden Designer? page explores when professional design is most valuable.

Choosing a Garden Designer for a Period Property

Choose someone who can balance:

respect for the house + contemporary design + practical landscape construction.

Our How to Choose a Garden Designer page explains what to look for.

Relevant completed projects are particularly useful.

Questions to Ask a Garden Designer

Before appointment, ask about:

• Relevant experience

• Process

• Fees

• Drawings

• Planting design

• Construction support.

Our Questions to Ask a Garden Designer page provides a detailed checklist.

Preparing for the Garden Design Consultation

Before your first meeting, it helps to gather:

• House plans

• Extension drawings

• Site information

• Inspiration images

• Budget

• Priorities.

Our How to Prepare for a Garden Design Consultation page provides a complete preparation guide.

You can also read What Happens at a Garden Design Consultation? to understand what the designer is likely to discuss and assess.

What Information Will the Designer Need?

Useful information may include:

• Property details

• Plans

• Site conditions

• Budget

• Lifestyle

• Existing problems

• Future plans.

Our What Information Does a Garden Designer Need? page explains what to prepare.

When Should I Appoint the Garden Designer?

The earlier a significant landscape is considered, the more opportunity there is to coordinate it properly.

Our How Far in Advance Should I Book a Garden Designer? page explains how the design stage fits into the overall programme.

Professional Landscaping for Period Properties

A well-designed landscape still needs to be built properly.

Construction may involve:

• Excavation

• Groundworks

• Drainage

• Paving

• Walls

• Steps

• Structures.

Our Professional Landscaping and Garden Construction pages explain why landscaping should be treated as a construction discipline.

Choosing a Landscaper

If construction is being tendered separately, choose the contractor carefully.

Our How to Choose a Landscaping Company guide explains what to compare.

Our Questions to Ask a Landscaper page provides a detailed checklist before appointment.

When Should I Book the Landscaper?

Good contractors can have significant forward bookings.

Our How Far in Advance Should I Book a Landscaper? page explains how contractor lead times fit into the wider project programme.

Complete Garden Design and Build for Period Properties

For more substantial transformations, a coordinated design-and-build approach can help align:

• Design intent

• Construction

• Material selection

• Planting

• Detailing.

Our Complete Garden Design and Build page explains how the process can be managed as one landscape project.

Period Property Garden Design in North West England

North West England contains an enormous variety of period properties.

These range from:

• Victorian terraces

• Edwardian semis

• Historic villas

• Farmhouses

• Country houses

• Listed buildings.

Successful garden design needs to respond to both:

• Architecture

• Site conditions.

Typical considerations can include:

• Heavy rainfall

• Clay soil

• Mature trees

• Slopes

• Drainage

• Restricted access.

Period Property Garden Design in Lancashire

Lancashire contains period properties ranging from urban terraces to large country houses.

Gardens may need to respond to:

• Sloping sites

• Heavy soils

• Mature trees

• Rural views

• Drainage.

Period Property Garden Design in Cheshire

Cheshire contains many substantial period homes where traditional architecture can be combined successfully with:

• Contemporary landscaping

• Outdoor living

• Mature planting

• High-quality materials.

The strongest designs feel confident rather than themed.

Period Property Garden Design in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has extensive Victorian and Edwardian housing.

Gardens may need to resolve:

• Narrow plots

• Overlooking

• Extensions

• Difficult access.

A successful design should solve these practical issues without losing the character of the property.

Period Property Garden Design in Merseyside

Period homes across Merseyside can range from compact urban properties to substantial detached houses.

The landscape may need to respond to:

• Exposure

• Privacy

• Mature planting

• Historic context.

Period Property Garden Design in the Ribble Valley

Larger period properties in the Ribble Valley often need a more landscape-led approach.

The design may incorporate:

• Formal areas near the house

• Specimen trees

• Large lawns

• Meadow

• Naturalistic planting

• Countryside views.

Frequently Asked Questions

What garden style suits a period property?

There is no single correct style. Contemporary, traditional, formal, naturalistic and country gardens can all work successfully.

Does a period property need a traditional garden?

No. Contemporary design can work extremely well when the proportions, materials and planting respond to the house.

Can I have a modern garden with an old house?

Yes. The contrast between historic architecture and contemporary landscape design can be very effective.

Can I use porcelain paving around a period house?

Yes. Porcelain can work well where its colour, scale and detailing suit the architecture and wider design.

Is natural stone better for period houses?

Not necessarily. Natural stone can be very appropriate, but material choice should be based on the whole landscape.

What plants suit period properties?

The planting depends on soil, light, exposure and design style. Trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, climbers and hedging can all work.

Should planting be historically accurate?

No. A modern planting scheme can be entirely appropriate.

Can a period property have an outdoor kitchen?

Yes. It should be integrated carefully with the house, terrace and planting.

Can I have a pergola?

Yes. Contemporary or traditional pergolas can work depending on the architecture and overall landscape.

How can I improve privacy?

Trees, hedging, screens, pergolas and layered planting can all provide targeted privacy.

Should mature trees be retained?

Where healthy and appropriately positioned, mature trees can provide invaluable scale, character and maturity.

Can a period garden be low maintenance?

Yes. Strong structure, suitable planting and durable materials can reduce maintenance considerably.

Can period gardens be wildlife friendly?

Yes. Mature trees, hedges, ponds and diverse planting can provide excellent habitat.

What should I do with a long period garden?

Use cross-garden lines, layered planting, partial screens and destinations to stop it feeling like a corridor. See our Long Narrow Garden Design page.

How should I design a large period garden?

Start with the overall hierarchy of the landscape rather than adding features individually. See our Large Garden Design guide.

Do I need planning permission to landscape a period property?

Many ordinary landscape works do not require permission, but structures, major level changes, boundaries, protected trees and heritage status may require additional investigation. See Do I Need Planning Permission to Landscape My Garden?.

Does a listed building need special consideration?

Yes. Listed-building consent and planning permission are separate regimes, and permitted-development rights can be more restricted.

Do I need garden design drawings?

For substantial work, drawings can help coordinate layout, levels, materials, drainage, planting and construction. See Do I Need Drawings for My Garden?.

How much does period-property garden design cost?

It depends on garden size, complexity and design scope. See our Garden Design Cost page.

How much does a period garden cost to landscape?

It depends on construction intensity, access, ground conditions and specification. See our Landscaping Cost guide.

How do I choose a garden designer for a period house?

Look for relevant experience, completed work, strong spatial design and an ability to balance historic architecture with contemporary living. See How to Choose a Garden Designer.

Does Kirman Design design gardens for period properties?

Yes. Kirman Design creates bespoke gardens for Victorian, Edwardian and other period homes throughout North West England.

Respect the Architecture Without Becoming Trapped by It

A period property deserves a garden that understands its character.

But that does not mean copying the past.

Start by asking:

What makes this house special?

Which existing features deserve to remain?

Which views matter?

How should the garden connect with the architecture?

How do we want to use the space today?

Where should we dine?

Where should we sit?

How much privacy do we need?

What level of maintenance is realistic?

And how can contemporary materials, planting and outdoor living be introduced without losing the character of the property?

The answer may result in a garden that is:

• Traditional

• Contemporary

• Formal

• Naturalistic

• Country

• Plant-rich

• Minimal.

The style matters less than the relationship.

The best period-property gardens do not feel like historical recreations.

Nor do they feel like modern gardens that have ignored the house.

They feel as though the architecture and landscape have been designed to belong together.

If you own a period property in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley or elsewhere in North West England, contact Kirman Design to discuss a bespoke garden design and landscape construction project tailored to your house, site and lifestyle.