Garden Design

Garden Design in Sawbridgeworth, Essex

Location: Sawbridgeworth, Essex

This garden design in Sawbridgeworth, Essex transformed a large landscape that originally had broken spaces and limited flow. The clients needed the garden to support family life, individual relaxation and entertaining for groups, so the design creates a seamless journey through a series of functional outdoor rooms.

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Overview

A naturally filtering koi pond sits at the centre of the scheme, paired with a bespoke outdoor kitchen positioned for easy access from the property’s orangery. The outdoor kitchen provides a multi-functional space for cooking, dining and entertaining, offering a striking focal point for gatherings and everyday family use.

Exquisite silver porcelain paving is combined with beautifully textured Lucca clay pavers, creating luxurious transitions underfoot. These materials flow through the upper section of the garden and sit alongside planting borders filled with structural species chosen for year-round interest and seasonal movement.

Central koi pond and dramatic natural stone water feature.
Outdoor kitchen and terraces linked directly to the orangery.
Distinct upper and lower garden experiences within one cohesive layout.

Upper garden – family life & entertaining

The upper lawn is retained with wide porcelain steps, creating a generous level space for play, outdoor dining and relaxed seating. Carefully proportioned terraces connect the house, outdoor kitchen and koi pond, so the garden feels like a natural extension of the home rather than a separate zone.

Lower garden – woodland walk & lower lawn

Beyond the main entertaining spaces, the garden transitions into a woodland-inspired experience. Bark pathways wind between established trees and layered planting, introducing a slower, more immersive journey through the landscape. A new shed provides practical storage while discreetly screening the compost area.

Woodland-inspired lower garden in Sawbridgeworth with bark paths and trees — Woodland-inspired lower garden with bark paths and layered planting.

Natural stone water feature pouring into koi pond in Sawbridgeworth garden — Natural stone water feature framed by soft, textured planting.

Lower lawn framed by planting and mature trees in family garden — Lower lawn surrounded by mature trees and relaxed seasonal borders.

Water feature & koi pond

A striking natural stone water feature rises upright and pours into a pond before flowing into a larger koi pond below. A clay paver bridge allows movement across the water and completes a dramatic, almost Jurassic-style landscape moment, enhanced by bold stone steps and lush planting. The journey finally leads to a lower lawn, offering yet another versatile space for family enjoyment.

This Sawbridgeworth garden design blends modern family living with natural drama, refined materials and immersive planting, resulting in a garden that evolves beautifully through the seasons.

Gallery

Spaces within the Sawbridgeworth garden

A selection of views showing the koi pond, outdoor kitchen, upper terraces and woodland-inspired lower garden.

View across koi pond towards outdoor kitchen and dining terrace in Sawbridgeworth — Koi pond and outdoor kitchen forming the heart of the garden.

Silver porcelain and Lucca clay paver terrace with structural planting — Silver porcelain paving with Lucca clay pavers and structural planting.

Wide porcelain steps linking upper terraces and generous lawn in Sawbridgeworth garden — Wide porcelain steps linking upper terraces and generous lawn.

Woodland-inspired lower garden with bark paths and trees in Sawbridgeworth — Woodland-inspired lower garden with bark paths and layered planting.

Natural stone water feature pouring into koi pond in Essex family garden — Upright natural stone water feature feeding into the koi pond.

Lower lawn framed by planting and trees in Sawbridgeworth garden — Lower lawn framed by mature trees and relaxed planting.

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Like this family garden in Sawbridgeworth?

If you’re planning a new garden or redesign in Essex, we’d be delighted to explore how we can create a practical, beautiful space tailored to your family and the way you live.

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