Project: The Red House, Decking Garden Transformation, Essex
Client: Ciara Elliott (@ciaraelliott)
This beautiful garden in Essex was lacking a focal point for casual entertaining and the owners wanted to create a space that felt like a true extension of their home. The Georgian property was built in 1805 and has some Victorian additions. Over the past six years it has been lovingly restored by Ciara and her husband Ben, including underpinning work to the foundations and a new roof.
Before
When viewing the house, the couple fell for the garden instantly, which consists of almost half an acre and is in a protected conservation area. The property once belonged to artist Peter Coker who maintained the garden in a French Monet style, with a lily pond surrounded by lavender, pretty flower beds and magnolia, pear, fig and olive trees – many of which have been incorporated into the garden renovation.
During
Journalist Ciara’s passion for the unique and creative really shone through in her design for her composite decking area. With a love for creamy based neutrals to complement the earthy red brick tones the house, she chose pretty Dura Deck Flip composite decking in the colour Weathered Cedar for the main decking area. UV resistance, scratch and stain resistant and with a Class C fire rating, it was installed on rot-free Dura Deck Aluminium pedestals and bearers for a low-maintenance ‘fit-and-forget’ decking solution.
Ciara’s top tip for styling your garden:
It pays to be open-minded and look for the potential in things. There are great finds to be had all over the place, even at Sainsbury’s and Aldi – they don’t have to cost a lot.
To get the feel of a Marrakech roof terrace, hoist a simple canopy of flowing fabric or canvas above your dining area or lounging area as we have done over our Dura Deck. Not only is this the perfect way to keep shaded from the sun, it also encapsulates that lovely Nomadic ambience.
After
