A Biodiverse, Modern
Farmhouse Garden

A biodivers minimal rustic farmhouse garden designed by Rae Wilkinson (Rachel Conibear). Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Design, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England

Modern simplicity meets rural charm with a biodiverse yet minimalistic landscape scheme for this revamped property set within rolling hills.

Black barn with grasses - hillside Surrey farmhouse. Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England
The biodiversity focus for converting what had predominantly become a brownfield site on this old farm was a key start point for the inclusion of extensive wildflower meadow areas and new native hedging runs throughout the garden, alongside plenty of new native and fruiting trees. These elements link the landscape around the buildings directly to the beautiful natural landscape which surrounds it, providing strong visual links and introducing diverse nature benefit in a visually pared back way.

Views from the living spaces towards the natural hills and woodlands beyond are framed by bold and simplistic textural planting within a purposefully restrained palette to the edge of modern terraces and gravel pathways, linking the modern interior styling visually with the natural landscape beyond.

This previously derelict farm site in an AONB has been revived by architects Watershedd to provide stunning modern accommodation within old farm buildings and building footprints. Alongside the restored and reimagined stone, brick and timber buildings a poolhouse clad in charred timber stands as a modern counterpart, seamlessly blending with it's surroundings.

Black barn with large bifold glazed doors, decking and grasses. Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England Black barn with grasses. Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England Black barn with grasses. Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England
barn with meadow planting foreground

The simplistic palette for this scheme alongside the introduced wildflower meadow makes for a light touch aftercare approach and combines naturalistic elements with the architectural elements in a seamless and modern way.

This project was recently shortlisted for a sustainability and biodiversity award for the introduction of native flora and wildlife habitat within a new garden on what was previously a farm yard site.

black barn with meadow planting foreground black barn with meadow planting foreground
quote marks
The simplistic palette for this scheme alongside the introduced wildflower meadow makes for a light touch aftercare approach and combines naturalistic elements with the architectural elements in a seamless and modern way.
Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England Biodiverse meadow planting - Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England Biodiverse meadow planting - Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England
Meadow planting against black barn. Rae Wilkinson Garden and Landscape Designer Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, South-East England
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