The Entertaining House
WATFORD
About The Project
This concept explores how a contemporary family garden can become a true extension of the home. Designed around the principles of outdoor living, the garden brings together architecture, planting and carefully considered spatial planning to create a landscape that feels both luxurious and highly functional.
From relaxed family time to large-scale entertaining, every space has been designed to flow seamlessly into the next, encouraging year-round enjoyment whilst maintaining a refined, low-maintenance character.
Client Brief
The clients envisioned a garden that would extend their living space beyond the rear of the house, creating a seamless transition between indoors and out. Their priorities centred around entertaining, family life and everyday relaxation, with a generous covered pergola, outdoor kitchen and integrated entertainment space forming the heart of the design.
Beyond this, they wanted a formal lawn, sun terrace and a dedicated leisure building incorporating a swim spa and games room, all connected through a cohesive garden plan that delivered a bold visual impact whilst remaining practical and easy to maintain.
Project Type
Residential
Location
Watford
Style
Contemporary
Garden Size
Approx. 850 m²
Design Year
2025
Status
Design Completed
The Existing Garden
Whilst generous in size, the existing garden lacked definition and failed to capitalise on its relationship with the house. The outdoor space offered little opportunity for entertaining or everyday living, with disconnected areas that didn't encourage movement or create a natural flow beyond the rear doors.
The brief presented an opportunity to completely rethink the landscape, transforming it into an extension of the home that could be enjoyed throughout every season.
%20(1).jpg)
%20(2).jpg)
%20(3).jpg)
.png)
The Design Response
The design centres around creating a seamless transition between the house and garden, with external floor levels aligned to the internal threshold to blur the boundary between inside and out. A generous covered pergola forms the principal outdoor living space immediately beyond the house, complete with an outdoor kitchen, integrated seating and entertainment, creating a natural setting for dining and social gatherings throughout the year.
Beyond the terrace, broad architectural steps descend to a formal lawn, establishing a strong visual axis whilst connecting the different levels of the garden. An outdoor television is integrated within a retaining wall, allowing the lawn and surrounding terraces to become flexible spaces for entertaining and family activities. Further into the garden, a contemporary sun deck leads to a dedicated outbuilding housing a swimming pool and games room, creating a destination that balances recreation with relaxation whilst remaining connected to the wider masterplan.
Before & After
From an underutilised rear garden to a seamless outdoor living space.
BEFORE
DESIGN
Materials & Detail
A refined palette of contemporary materials reinforces the clean architectural language of the design, combining large-format paving, natural textures and carefully integrated lighting to create a sophisticated atmosphere from day into evening.
Every element was selected to balance durability with visual impact, ensuring the garden remains practical for family life whilst delivering a premium outdoor living experience.
Astrantia
shaggy
Athyrium
filix-femina
Aster
little carlow
Liriope muscari
Carex
oshimensis
Planting Palette
The planting scheme draws inspiration from tropical landscapes, using bold foliage, layered textures and evergreen structure to create a lush, immersive setting throughout the year.
Rather than relying on high-maintenance displays, the palette focuses on resilient planting that delivers strong architectural character, softens the built elements and provides lasting seasonal interest with minimal upkeep.
A note from the homeowners
"Taylor was professional, friendly, and incredibly attentive, really taking the time to understand and bring all of our ideas to life. The design for our driveway, garden, and patio was exceptional, combining creativity with practicality and making the whole space feel exactly how we envisioned it. Communication was excellent, the attention to detail was superb, and nothing ever felt too much trouble."
- Private Residential Client
