Hampstead Garden

A client led garden space that incorporates a hidden rear work studio, oval lawn, and outdoor kitchen, surrounded by naturalistic planting.

A gorgeous view of the rear garden, featuring a bespoke concrete kitchen counter, dining area, and a path leading down the lawn, all surrounded by lush planting.
A gorgeous view of the rear garden, featuring a bespoke concrete kitchen counter, dining area, and a path leading down the lawn, all surrounded by lush planting.
Stage 1

The Brief

Our clients undertook an extensive house refurbishment in collaboration with Proctor and Shaw Architects and were keen to create a garden that complemented their design aesthetic and supported their family-oriented lifestyle. Key elements of the brief included retaining and integrating existing trees, screening views from overlooking neighbours, incorporating an outdoor studio, and providing a spacious area for entertaining. The design also needed to discreetly accommodate a trampoline, offer a decent size lawn for family activities, and create a dog-friendly environment. The front garden was a generous space that we wanted to complement the Georgian architecture of the housewhile also meeting planning requirements.

Stage 2

Design and Build

The garden build took place alongside the house refurbishment and was completed after the clients had moved in. Carefully coordinating with the various specialists on-site was a key aspect of the project, as was respecting the clients’ privacy and daily routines throughout the process.

Overview of the garden path, made with alternating smooth concrete and stone pavers. The path links the main patio to the dining area and continues toward the garden studio at the back of the garden.
Overview of the garden path, made with alternating smooth concrete and stone pavers. The path links the main patio to the dining area and continues toward the garden studio at the back of the garden
Stunning view from the newly refurbished extension, designed by Proctor & Shaw Architects, showing the rear garden with organic planting that softens the edges and surrounds the main patio with greenery.
Stunning view from the newly refurbished extension, designed by Proctor & Shaw Architects, showing the rear garden with organic planting that softens the edges and surrounds the main patio with greenery.
Stage 3

Finished Project

The finished garden balances functionality and nature. Enclosed by immersive naturalistic planting, the space creates a seamless transition between domestic life and the outdoors. The oval lawn serves as a calm focal point and gathering space, leading through to the hidden studio, nestled at the rear and softened by layered planting, offering a quiet retreat for work or creativity without disrupting the garden's flow. Adjacent to the main house, the outdoor kitchen enhances the space’s usability, allowing for year-round entertaining. A mix of textural and seasonal planting provides visual interest, while maintaining a relaxed, informal atmosphere that reflects the client’s personality and lifestyle. This garden is both a sanctuary and a practical extension of the home.

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Two steps clad in stone pavers lead from the patio up to the main garden level with lush plants around them softening the transition.
Close up of the smooth concrete kitchen worktop beautifully crafted by Clinton Wootten.
The built-in boardwalk seems to be floating above the foliage, leading toward the lawn area.
The main dining area sits on smooth concrete platforms, surrounded by lush planting.
The garden lawn is oval-shaped, providing space for the clients to relax under the dappled shade of the surrounding trees.
View of the new garden studio at the back of the property, painted dark grey so it blends into the background.
A hidden seating area at the back of the garden, enclosed by plants for privacy.
A view in this Hampstead garden that shows how we obscured the neighbours property and overlooking balcony with clever positioning of Pleached Trees and planting.
Overview of the rear garden, showing how the layout, planting, and design features work together to make the space both functional and special for the client.
Close-up of the timber table and chairs dining set, with the elegant smooth concrete kitchen worktop visible in the background.
View of the main patio, designed by Proctor & Shaw Architects, with Hakonechloa and Anemanthele grasses spilling over the edges and framing the space, the iconic Nanna Ditzel pod chair hangs from the brise soleil.
Overview of this Hampstead rear garden from the patio, surrounded by greenery, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere for the owners.
At the front of the house, soft grasses and Persicaria lean gently over the path, softening edges and creating a welcoming frame around the entrance.
This beautiful multistem Malus Rudolph tree set in gravel, becomes a sculptural focal point in the client’s front garden.
The front garden planting is flourishing, with Digitalis ‘Lutea’ and geraniums in full bloom. In the background, the church bell tower rises amongst tall neighbourhood trees.
Another view of the front shows the planting softening the straight edges of the path, creating an inviting walk into this Hampstead garden.
This layout plan illustrates both the front and rear gardens together with the refurbished house designed by Proctor & Shaw Architects.
3D visuals of the rear garden, created to present the design concept to the client.
3D visuals of the rear garden, created to present the design concept to the client.
3D visuals of the front garden, created to present the design concept to the client.
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Photos by Kevin Dutton