Residential Garden Design · Cheltenham

Hillside Transformation with Panoramic Views

Carving into the Cheltenham hillside to create a Mediterranean-style entertaining space with curved retaining walls, integrated seating, artisan water feature, and prairie planting designed to preserve the stunning views.

Hillside Transformation
Hillside Transformation — image 1
Hillside Transformation — image 2
Hillside Transformation — image 3
Hillside Transformation — image 4

The Challenge

Harp Hill is a spectacular location with stunning views over Cheltenham. Houses built in this sought-after location all have to contend with the gradient. Our clients' main patio was already cut into the hill however the size and design of it did not provide the space they needed.

Hillside Transformation — the challenge
Hillside Transformation — the build

Construction Challenges

We had more than a few unforeseen events during this build:

  • Storm Ciara delivered heavy rainfall during excavation (we pumped out the area and diverted excess water flow with temporary piping)
  • Storm Dennis arrived the following weekend
  • First pandemic lockdown occurred mid-build (only one local builders merchant open — required careful advance materials ordering)

What We Built

  1. 01 Cutting back into the hill by several metres to open up the space
  2. 02 Curved retaining wall with integrated seating area (catches evening sun)
  3. 03 Steps redesigned to run sideways up the wall (greatly increasing patio usable space)
  4. 04 Porcelain paving throughout including as coping stones for the wall (reduced maintenance)
  5. 05 Coloured render on walls (no regular painting required)
  6. 06 Extensive prairie style planting designed not to block the view
  7. 07 Artisan water feature by Darren Rumley (polished concrete, integrated lighting)
Hillside Transformation — what we built

The Result

Truly dramatic transformation — from a weathered and dark patio that did not have enough space, through epic mud and struggle during construction, a bright Mediterranean style sun trap emerged to create an amazing outdoor space.