Country
Overview
This country garden design project near Tenterden, Kent was commissioned as part of a full modernisation of a charming period farmhouse in Wittersham. The brief focused on creating a contemporary yet sympathetic garden that respected the rural setting while enhancing how the clients use their outdoor space every day.
A key priority was preserving the open countryside views across neighbouring cattle fields, ensuring the garden felt connected to its landscape rather than enclosed from it.
The Brief
The clients wanted a thoughtfully designed garden that supported both entertaining and relaxation. Specific requirements included:
Multiple seating areas for different times of day
An informal dining space located near the kitchen
A more relaxed evening seating area to capture the last of the sun
Easy access to fresh herbs for cooking
Space for outdoor cooking and socialising
As passionate cooks, the garden needed to function as an extension of the home, blending practicality with visual appeal.
The Solution
Our garden design approach in Tenterden took direct inspiration from the converted farmhouse itself. We studied the textures and tones of the original brickwork and traditional Kent tile roof, allowing these elements to guide our material palette.
The final design combines:
Red clay Dutch pavers for warmth and authenticity
Corten steel for structure, contrast, and longevity
Composite decking to introduce a softer, contemporary surface
Cream paving and Cotswold gravel to add light and texture
To frame the rural views on two sides of the garden, we introduced Corten steel moon gates. These sculptural features have become a defining focal point, drawing the eye outward while adding a sense of discovery and delight.
Features
Generous Corten steel raised beds were integrated to house culinary herbs and Mediterranean, resilient planting. This planting scheme softens the transition between the house and garden levels while reinforcing the garden’s functional role.
A bespoke trough-style water feature, set within a gravel garden, references traditional cattle feeding troughs found in the surrounding landscape. It reflects the sky above and subtly connects the garden design to the site’s agricultural history.
A spacious outdoor lounge area provides a comfortable retreat at the end of the day, while one boundary is defined by mature yew hedging, softened with layered perennial planting for year-round interest.
The Result
The finished garden design balances modern materials with rural character, creating a timeless outdoor space that feels rooted in its Kent countryside setting. This Tenterden garden design successfully blends structure, planting, and views into a cohesive and highly usable garden that supports both everyday living and relaxed entertaining.
