MARPLE BRIDGE

The Brief

The clients in this Cheshire property in Marple Bridge wanted a garden that was both functional and visually appealing, to maximise usability for their family life while enhancing the connection between the house and outdoor spaces.

For us, it was immediately clear that the front garden required improved proportion, flow and visibility, while the rear needed more privacy, thoughtful planting and distinct outdoor living areas.

As a whole, the key goals in this project were to create practical access, reduce lawn for easier maintenance, and integrate family-friendly features without compromising on style.

The Design

To achieve these goals, we replaced a planting bed along the house wall with a porcelain pathway, improving side access and reworking steps to enhance proportion and flow. In the front, we widened the driveway and set the gates back, improving visibility from the road and creating a more welcoming entrance. Decorative pots with Acers and dwarf pines added structure and seasonal interest.

To maximise function while reducing lawn, additional planting beds, ornamental trees and a children’s play areawere introduced. In the rear garden, a dying Ash tree was removed to free up the space and pleached evergreens were planted to provide privacy while maintaining light and structure.

Outdoor living areas were carefully positioned: a new dining terrace with a pergola overlooks a bespoke water feature visible from the house, while a second shady terrace off the sunroom offers a quiet retreat.

The Garden

The completed garden balances functionality, beauty and family living.

The front is inviting and well-proportioned, with enhanced access and decorative planting. The rear garden provides multiple outdoor living spaces, offering both social and quiet zones, framed by carefully selected planting for privacy and year-round interest.

Finally, the bespoke water feature and pergola create a focal point, while the lawns, beds and play areas ensure the garden is practical and engaging for family life.