Formal & Wildlife

North Downs Manor House

An executive home in Kent countryside evolving from planning condition discharge into the creation of sympathetic formal gardens and wildlife areas.

Project overview

A carefully balanced landscape between formality & nature

What began as a requirement to discharge planning conditions soon developed into a deep exploration of how formal gardens could sit comfortably within a wider countryside setting. The design balances visual structure with ecological softness.

Key to the project was the extreme driveway gradient and the need to frame beautiful long-distance views across the Kent landscape.

Tags

Formal gardens Wildlife areas Kent countryside Gradient management View framing

Project snapshot

Client: Private client
Location: Kent countryside
Scope: Planning discharge, formal garden design, wildlife areas
Key elements: Driveway gradient resolution, formal terraces, habitat areas, framed views

The challenge

Managing steep gradients & preserving far-reaching views

The driveway’s extreme gradient posed functional and aesthetic challenges, requiring a design that allowed comfortable access without visually disrupting the wider landscape.

At the same time, the gardens needed to flow seamlessly from formal spaces near the home into soft, wildlife-rich areas beyond.

Outcomes

A landscape of balance & seamless transitions

The reimagined garden creates smooth transitions from road to house and from formal spaces to wild vistas, while improving ecological value and daily usability.

Smooth transition from road to landscape

A regraded driveway that feels natural, safe and visually cohesive.

Soft integration of formal & wild areas

A gentle gradient from structured gardens to open countryside.

Enhanced long-distance views

The layout celebrates and frames the surrounding Kent scenery.

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