A Private Front Garden Retreat in Atherstone, Warwickshire

Redesigned for Privacy, Shade and Style

Most of our work focuses on rear gardens, so this front garden in Atherstone was an exciting challenge. The brief called for a complete rethinking of the space. A dated tarmac driveway and lack of privacy had left it feeling neglected, and the owners were keen to create a welcoming, usable front garden that complemented the modern updates to their home.

The Design Brief

As you can see below, the existing space felt stuck in the 1990s, with very little to enjoy from a practical or aesthetic point of view. The driveway took up much of the garden, but there was no visual interest, and the homeowners could not enjoy the south-facing aspect due to the lack of privacy from the road and neighbouring windows. 

With the house undergoing a modern refresh and an extension, the garden needed to follow suit. Our clients wanted the garden to feel up-to-date and elegant, but still retain its essential functionality – access to garages, parking spaces and the front door of the property. The wish list included a private seating area with dappled shade, an uncluttered planting scheme, and materials that would feel cohesive with the architecture.  

The Finished Garden

Privacy was our first priority. We introduced timber gates to create an immediate sense of enclosure, while pleached trees and carefully positioned specimen trees obscure surrounding views and add to the feeling of seclusion.

Rather than a plain, dominant driveway, we used gravel and clay pavers to soften the space. The pavers help visually widen the driveway and guide the eye towards the front door. Pots and a corten steel water feature add sculptural interest and texture, picking up on materials the client particularly liked.

A simple timber pergola frames a compact seating area, providing light shade without clashing with the property’s character. To complement the clean architectural lines, we kept the planting palette restrained. Soft grasses, lavender and a specimen olive tree bring a subtle Mediterranean feel and gently move in the breeze, adding life and softness to the contemporary scheme.

Project Details

• Location: Atherstone, Warwickshire
• Design & Planting: Lush Garden Design
• Landscaping: Ground Services Landscapes

This garden proves a front garden can offer far more than just kerb appeal. With a thoughtful design and careful choice of materials, it now provides the homeowners with a private, elegant space to enjoy the sun, right outside their front door.