Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Tunbridge Wells, a white-stucco villa stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of Decimus Burton. Built in the 1830s, this Grade II-listed villa exudes charm and elegance, welcoming visitors with its porticoed front door and beautifully landscaped grounds. The meandering drive, lined with perennials like geraniums, heuchera, and Rosa ‘Tuscany Superb’, leads guests to the front of the house, where beech and yew trees add a touch of sophistication.
As one wanders around the villa, past towering lime trees and manicured lawns, a breathtaking view unfolds before their eyes. The land drops away dramatically, revealing a wooded and heathland landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. The vista, with its mix of beech and Norway spruce trees, creates a sense of tranquility and grandeur, transporting visitors to a world of natural beauty.
The current owner, who moved to the villa with his family in 2020, was drawn to the property for its stunning views. However, he soon realized that the overgrown rhododendrons and roaming deer were obstructing the scenery. To address these issues, the owner enlisted the help of designer Miria Harris to create a master plan for the garden.
Mrs. Harris’s vision for the garden focused on enhancing the existing landscape while introducing new elements to create a harmonious blend of old and new. The terrace surrounding the orangery and kitchen extension became a focal point, with vibrant plantings of euphorbia, achillea, and grasses adding color and texture to the space. A steep rising bank behind the terrace provided a backdrop for Mrs. Harris’s planting scheme, featuring a mix of perennials and grasses that thrive in the windy conditions.
To overcome the challenge of a high water table, Mrs. Harris installed subterranean containers on the terrace, allowing for proper drainage and a variety of plantings. The herb garden was relocated to a sunny spot near the Victorian conservatory, where thyme and other herbs now thrive in the free-draining pockets created by the original structure.
Throughout the garden, Mrs. Harris’s careful selection of plants and strategic placement of pathways and seating areas create a sense of balance and harmony. From the formal rill leading to a seating area with Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle to the paths leading to the lake below, every corner of the garden invites exploration and contemplation.
As the owners continue to enjoy their new garden and the stunning views it offers, they are grateful for the expertise of their gardener, Jo Jones, who keeps the garden looking beautiful year-round. With plans to further develop the garden, including a walled vegetable garden and paths leading to the lake, the owners are excited about the future possibilities that their Decimus Burton villa and contemporary garden hold.