In collaboration with Nye Saunders Architects, Bradley Burgess Garden Design carefully integrated the buildings, agricultural land, and existing garden of this fine country estate into the breathtaking landscape of the Surrey Hills.
A comprehensive masterplan was developed to unify the Manor House, its substantial new extension, six barn conversions, a Hartley Botanic greenhouse, garaging, staff quarters, and stables. The meticulously planned renovation of the estate called for gardens of equal distinction.
Despite the Manor’s rich history, the surrounding grounds presented a blank canvas. The challenge was to design a series of interconnected gardens that seamlessly bridged the old and the new, creating a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary elegance.
The gardens draw inspiration from the renowned Newt in Somerset, incorporating a meticulously planned colour wheel that evolves throughout the estate. The journey begins with cool hues of soft blues, lilacs, purples, whites, and silvers, accented by deep green Taxus topiary. These traditional colours reflect the Grade II-listed manor house’s heritage.
As you turn the corner, the atmosphere changes with bursts of vibrant colours in the Prairie Garden, located between the side of the house and the Kitchen Garden. This area features a kaleidoscope of perennial plants typical of prairie-style planting, interspersed with a maze of Taxus hedging and avenues of specimen trees.
The Prairie Garden transitions seamlessly into the working Kitchen Garden, a space designed to combine tradition with rich textures. Moving past the tennis courts and existing pond, visitors arrive at the rear of the property, where a magnificent terrace overlooks acres of farmland and the Surrey Hills. Spanning the entire length of the house, the terrace features various seating areas and a vibrant planting palette of purples, yellows, blues, whites, and zesty greens. Parasol trees, multi-stem specimens, and Taxus topiary add a contemporary touch to the traditional layout.
The Swimming Pool Garden continues the estate’s journey with espaliered fruit trees, citrus plants, and Mediterranean-inspired planting. The colour palette of soft lilacs and purples is punctuated by bright pops of yellow, creating a cohesive flow between the garden areas. Carefully framed views connect each space, blending traditional and modern elements effortlessly.
In contrast, the Courtyard Garden—once the estate’s farmyard—pays homage to its agricultural heritage. Now housing estate staff quarters, garaging, stables, and a party barn, the garden is alive with rich, bold colours. Burnt oranges, hot reds, and burgundies dominate, softened by subtle lilac tones. Together, these vibrant hues complete the spectrum of colour woven through the estate.
Set within a vast landscape, the garden extends into the horizon, where ornamental grasses transition into wildflower meadows and the surrounding countryside. Nearly 300 plant species have been carefully selected to create a rich and varied planting scheme.
Avenues and an arboretum of trees add depth and legacy to the estate, while striking Taxus topiary and hedgerows introduce structure. The planting design incorporates a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, encouraging interaction with the landscape. Visitors can graze as they walk or collect fresh produce for a meal.
This level of attention to detail exemplifies the work of one of Britain’s leading garden designers. Our ambition is to create distinctive landscapes that leave a legacy and inspire people across the globe.
The garden design for the Arrival and Main House adopts a historical approach, using traditional techniques to establish strong architectural bones, focal points, and year-round interest. These elements were chosen to enhance the Grade II-listed property's 17th-century architectural style.
Before the transformation, the front garden was unremarkable, dominated by lawn and tarmac. The brief was to create a garden that left a lasting impression and looked impressive in every season. Reimagining the space presented challenges, including existing and proposed buildings, a canal, mature trees, level changes, and walls.
The hard landscaping design was resolved by establishing two axis points that guided the layout and usability. Generous pathways, vehicle access, pedestrian flow, and vistas from every window were carefully considered. The enclosed swimming pool area was opened up to provide views across the gardens, enhancing its connection to the surrounding space.
With the layout complete, attention turned to the soft landscaping. Mature topiary was placed strategically to create symmetry, grandeur, and drama, while layers of hedging added depth and divided the space into intimate areas. The planting palette featured whites, lilacs, purples, and greens, filling deep borders with fragrant perennials that bloom from spring through autumn. From the moment of arrival, the garden takes visitors on a captivating journey through the estate.
The transformation of the rear terrace is one of the most striking changes on the estate. The main house was extended to increase its overall volume, and the design had to seamlessly bridge the old and new while bringing balance to an otherwise asymmetrical elevation.
The East-to-West positioning of the house provided opportunities to frame magnificent sunrises and sunsets, as well as views of the Surrey Hills and the estate. Previously referred to as the "dark garden" due to heavy shade cast by the house, the space felt uninviting. The hard landscaping footprint was extended to 550 square metres to maximise its potential. To soften this, multi-stem and parasol trees were introduced, dividing the space into distinct, usable sections.
The terrace reflects a Mediterranean influence, with planting that evokes the essence of European gardens. Zesty greens, silvers, purples, and yellows were chosen to create the atmosphere of being abroad. Each area was designed to feel unique, with varied plant combinations and Taxus forms subtly guiding movement through the space.
The Prairie Garden is a vibrant kaleidoscope of prairie-style planting interwoven with Taxus hedging and specimen trees. This area was previously a plain lawn with a few tired fruit trees, lacking purpose or inspiration.
To provide seasonal interest, various tree species were planted, with many showcasing their beauty in autumn. The perennial borders are bursting with colour, texture, and architectural form, creating a sensory experience as visitors wander through the space. Hedgerows encourage exploration, providing structure and balance between formality and informality.
At the centre of the design is a rectangular lawn, enclosed by hedges and exotic grasses, offering a tranquil spot for relaxation and reflection. The geometric hard landscaping contrasts with the untamed vibrancy of the planting, striking a balance between order and wildness.
The Kitchen Garden is a traditional working garden, combining practical functionality with timeless beauty. Nestled behind the Prairie Garden, it features a Hartley Botanic glasshouse used for propagating seeds, growing crops, and storing plants during colder months.
The design includes eight raised beds connected by arches and espaliered fruit trees. The garden invites interaction, encouraging visitors to forage for fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers as they explore. This approach makes the space both productive and enjoyable, blending horticulture with leisure.
The simple and inviting layout includes areas to sit, enjoy tea, and nurture horticultural skills. This space also encourages children to experiment and develop their understanding of gardening.
The Studio Garden serves as a bridge between the traditional planting styles of the front garden and the prairie-inspired designs at the side of the property. Surrounding the multifunctional studio building, which houses a gym, games room, art studio, and music room, the garden is designed to inspire and connect with the wider landscape.
Planting in this area reflects a blend of textures, colours, and styles from adjoining spaces, creating harmony and cohesion. Mature wisteria softens the new structures, helping them integrate seamlessly into the surroundings. Every detail of the garden was carefully considered to ensure it complements the estate as a whole.
The Pool Garden is a Mediterranean-inspired space that connects the party barn, main kitchen, terrace, and front garden. The walls are adorned with vines, espaliered fruit trees, and roses, while the borders include herbs, edible flowers, and vegetables. Plums, figs, pears, apples, quinces, and cherries are all within easy reach of the kitchen, perfect for adding to meals, while herbs from the borders provide fresh flavours for cocktails.
To open up views to the Prairie Garden and beyond, sections of hedging and walls were removed. The hard landscaping was maximised to create a functional space that serves as an overflow area for entertaining. At night, carefully positioned lighting transforms the garden, creating a magical and inviting atmosphere.
The fields surrounding the estate pay homage to its farming heritage, offering a vibrant display of colours throughout the year. This area serves as a sanctuary for beehives, farm animals, birds, and insects. Hidden among the treetops is a charming treehouse for children, adding an element of playfulness to the space.
An aerial view of the estate reveals how seamlessly the gardens, buildings, and natural surroundings integrate into the rolling Surrey Hills. The harmony between design and landscape is evident from this breathtaking perspective.
As night falls, the estate transforms into an enchanting landscape of light and shadow. Carefully placed lighting highlights architectural features, specimen trees, and water features, creating a dramatic and atmospheric setting. The lighting plan was designed to balance practical needs with emotional impact, casting soft glows and bouncing light to evoke a sense of wonder and contrast with the daytime gardens.
Client 2024