Location

Situated in North Chailey, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8. This is one of two garden spaces I designed for luxury holidays villas ‘Hoods Croft Stays’, aptly named ‘The Coach House’. The villas are situated on the wider country estate of Hoods Croft and are surrounded by the beautiful Chailey Common, which is a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’.  

Brief

To create an inspiring, multi-functional and relaxing outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy whether they be couples, families or friends. These newly developed villas on the stunning Hoods Croft property in East Sussex can be booked individually or together for up to eight people. So, although two separate spaces, both gardens need to blend in terms of look and feel, appearing as one cohesive space, with the same design language throughout, whilst also functioning as separate areas.

Design

Narrative: Following a narrative of ‘Alfresco Living’, I designed a relaxing outdoor room where guests will feel like they are on holidays as soon as they step into the garden.

A bespoke central seating space is the hero design highlight of the Coach House. Where Ibiza meets East Sussex, this central lounge is a special space to relax with a glass of wine, as the sun sets surrounded by inspirational planting.

From families, friends, couples, to those staying solo, I wanted to create spaces visitors could enjoy throughout the year. The spaces complement the surrounding environment, the interior design of the villas and exterior architecture. With spaces for dining and entertaining, materials were selected with warm, earthy and calming tones, to create an alfresco vibe.

A mix of native and non-native species trees and shrubs were planted to increase biodiversity. The planting design included evergreens to provide a striking and structural green backdrop throughout the year. This is all complemented by pretty country perennials, bulbs and evergreen grasses which intermingle through the borders. With a calming colour palette of purples, pinks and whites, the perennials selected are loved by pollinators, and give pops of colour from late winter though to autumn. Evergreen grasses give structure to the borders and visually connect to the surrounding nature reserve. Future planting design includes a field beyond, which will feature a selection of new native trees, in line with ecological targets.

A complete design transformation from a blank canvas and a fabulous team effort with all involved.  Thank you to lovely clients, Eddie & Sophie of Hoods Croft Stays for the brilliant opportunity. @hoodscroftstays is now open for bookings!

The Coach House

Size:  53 sqm of 151sqm scheme.

Design: Kathryn Cox Garden Design Studio

Build: Portland Building Services

Photography: Limelight Interiors Photography

Duration: 2024-2025

Status: Completed