Terraced
Overview
This terraced garden design in Tankerton, Kent transformed one of the most technically challenging sites we have designed into a highly functional, layered landscape. With slopes in multiple directions and an unusual dog-leg layout, the garden required careful planning to unlock its full potential.
The finished garden delivers generous entertaining spaces, immersive planting, and a gradual transition from formal design near the house to a more natural landscape below.
The Brief
From the outset, the clients wanted a garden design that could accommodate large gatherings while still offering moments of privacy and retreat.
Key requirements included:
Large, practical spaces for entertaining
A bar and outdoor cooking facilities
A hot tub integrated into the garden design
A pond and water feature
A west-facing fire pit area to enjoy sunset views
Generous planting areas for screening and softness
As enthusiastic gardeners, the clients welcomed layered planting to define each zone and enhance the garden’s atmosphere.
The Solution
A series of terraces and layered planting beds were introduced to resolve the challenging levels and create a clear, formal structure near the house. A lawn anchors this upper level, while high-quality materials were selected to ensure durability and a refined finish.
Porcelain paving and bronze wall cladding introduce a sense of luxury and provide a strong architectural framework. Carefully planned steps and pathways guide movement through the garden and lead to a central social space beneath an automated canopy.
This entertaining area includes a Grillo outdoor kitchen, bar seating, and dining space for eight to ten people, making it ideal for hosting.
Features
Adjacent to the main social space, the hot tub and lounge seating overlook a large pond with a cascading waterfall, adding movement and sound to the garden.
As the garden gently descends, the design becomes more relaxed and natural. A wildlife meadow and species-rich lawn introduce biodiversity and seasonal change, while a fire pit and vegetable growing area are discreetly tucked away.
A summer house sits at the lower end of the garden, offering a place to pause and enjoy long views back towards the house and terraces above.
The Result
The completed Tankerton garden design is a sophisticated, layered landscape that successfully combines technical problem-solving with elegant outdoor living. Through terracing, generous planting, and high-end materials, the garden delivers flexible entertaining spaces alongside quieter, nature-led areas.
This project was delivered in collaboration with Hythe Garden Landscapes, who were awarded Gold for Landscaping at the Association of Professional Landscaper Awards 2025.
