Embedded in the cultural landscape – hillside garden by a vineyard

This hillside garden, which was built in 2018, offers privacy with the bonus of views of the cultural landscape, which peek out from between the rows of vines.

The garden design echoes the straight lines of the architecture. The terrace, herb garden, wooden deck, pool and entrance to the house all have a direct connection to the interior. There is a seamless transition to the wider cultural landscape. Hedges interspersed with wood panels provide privacy from the local hiking trails. Hornbeams, arranged in staggered rows, mimic rows of grapes – a beautiful juxtaposition between ‘open’ and ‘closed’, greenery and wood. A basalt staircase leads to the highest point in the garden. The goal is to sit amid the greenery in the morning sun and look out over the vineyard.

A swimming pool embedded into the garden design

Planning a garden with a pool

Clever thinking was needed to find the right spot for the pool on this steep site next to a vineyard. Placing it behind the house meant it would sit quite high and would need a long concrete retaining wall. Ultimately, it was decided the front garden was the best place. The slope leading down to the street was secured and a solid tub pool was chosen. Rocks and dense planting were placed around the front, while a privacy screen made the space feel more intimate. The addition of trees made the green space look beautiful from the street.