Coastal garden · Heritage restoration

Coastal Retreat

A sensitive restoration of an iconic coastal retreat, creating sheltered snugs that work with the wind while embracing land and seascape views.

Project overview

Restoring and reframing a much loved coastal garden

Working with GN Landscape Design, we were asked to help sympathetically restore an iconic coastal retreat. The garden needed to feel protected from extreme salt laden winds while still celebrating its dramatic setting.

By working with the existing framework and the lie of the land, the design creates comfortable, sheltered spaces that open out to sweeping land and seascape views when conditions allow.

Tags

Coastal garden Garden restoration Sheltered snugs Historic framework Wind resilient planting

Project snapshot

Client: Private client (via GN Landscape Design)
Location: Coastal United Kingdom
Scope: Garden restoration and redesign, including sheltered spaces and coastal tolerant planting.
Key elements: Sheltered snugs, restored structural framework, resilient planting and framed sea views.

The challenge

Designing for salt laden winds while respecting a historic framework

The exposed coastal location experiences extreme winds and salt spray, challenging both comfort and plant choice. Any new design had to work with these conditions, not against them.

The existing historic structure of the garden also needed to be understood and respected, so that new interventions felt like a natural evolution rather than a complete redesign.

Outcomes

A coastal garden restored for enjoyment in all but the harshest weather

The restored coastal retreat balances shelter and exposure, allowing the garden to be enjoyed more often while still celebrating its dramatic location.

Comfortable outdoor rooms

Sheltered spaces extend the usable season and make the garden more welcoming on windy days.

Respect for the site history

The historic framework has been clarified and enhanced, giving the garden a strong sense of continuity.

Long term resilience

Coastal tolerant planting and robust materials ensure the garden stands up to sea front conditions over time.

Need a coastal garden that works with the elements?

Coastal sites can be challenging but rewarding. We help shape gardens that feel comfortable, resilient and rooted in their seafront setting.