The magnificent views from this thatched cottage were concealed by laurel hedges along the garden’s borders. We removed them and the dying ash trees blocking the view to the west, to borrow the surrounding landscape (below).

We built a pond (pictured) in a dell where the ash had been, mounting a solar fountain in a wall of local brick to match the house, and a G&T-sunset- viewing area, pond side. The dell is designed to be a secret garden in summer, when the plants behind the wall grow to their full height and make a diaphanous screen from the house.