)
TOP: Planting and lawn slip crisply into the paving.
FAR RIGHT: The view from the dining room invites guests out for a glass of wine or a stroll.
ABOVE: An intimate seating area, wrapped with planting to the rear allows unhindered views into the garden and catches the evening sun.
Winding, gentle steps through lush planting, which partially screens the play area below.
RIGHT: In summer the dining area is almost a secret.
)
Gently, nestling curves define this unusual family garden in Hampstead, London.
The upper area of the garden is designed as a ‘courtyard’. With space for leisure, entertaining and even a cycle route. A tempting and partially hidden dining area to the rear catches the last of the sun’s rays, whilst a curved, sunken seating area provides somewhere to sit for lunchtime sun or a glass of wine before dinner. Planting is soft and a rug of lawn slips crisply into the warm colours Donegal Quartzite edged in grey granite. Pathways converge and direct the eye to wide and gentle steps inviting a stroll to the lawn below and hidden play area. Ambient lighting extends the use of the garden and illuminates a lovely backdrop from the house in the evening.