Edge House, Stroud, Gloucestershire

A Grade II listed building by English Heritage. Dating from the 17th Century, Edge House was enlarged and remodelled in the early 19th Century. The garden enjoys panoramic views and is predominantly south facing. On a steeply sloping site, the extensive gardens were falling into ruin and required restoration.

Our Landscape Architects were commissioned by the present owner in 2014 to sensitively restore the gardens. It was essential the charm and character of the old garden was maintained. We produced concept plans and working drawings for client approval and submission for planning consent.

The main features of the garden restoration were:

• The re-grading and terracing of the main lawn.
• The re-building of the dry stone retaining walls including new dry stone retaining walls.
• Screening to provide privacy to the south west boundary (Yew hedging).
• Restoration of the Cotswold gravel paths.
• New stone patios and seating areas.
• Use of the existing natural spring to produce a sinuous rill culminating in a pond in the lower garden (previously piped underground).
• An underground reservoir and irrigation system (fed from the new drainage and the overflow from the lower pond).
• A stone temple.
• Restoration of the existing herbaceous beds and shrub planting, including new plant beds and ornamental trees.
• A new driveway and associated parking.
• Estate fencing.

Hard landscape materials were chosen to match or complement the existing stone. Recycled or reclaimed stone was used whenever possible and new stone was carefully fettled and aged.