Services used
Hard Landscaping, Swimming Pool, Pool Building, Brickwork, Irrigation, Garden Lighting, Tennis Court, Soft Landscaping
Project
Grade II Listed Country Garden – East Sussex
Duration
12 months
Location
East Sussex
We were privileged to be appointed as contractors for this prestigious Grade II listed country garden in rural East Sussex, working alongside internationally acclaimed garden designer Robin Templar Williams FSGLD. His vision demanded the very highest standards of construction and craftsmanship – something our team was proud to deliver.
Key Features of the Project
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Extensive Groundworks: Major earth moving, trenching, and the relocation of mature trees were carried out to ensure the new features blended seamlessly with the historic landscape.
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Yorkstone Terraces: At the heart of the design, we built two expansive Yorkstone terraces with Kirkstone detailing, linked by broad steps to create elegant, durable spaces for entertaining and outdoor dining.
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Swimming Pool & Pool House: A tiled in-ground swimming pool was installed, complete with ambient lighting, reclaimed brick walls, and Yorkstone copings to reflect the estate’s period character. Alongside it, we built a beautifully detailed pool house with a kitchen, changing facilities, lounge, and plant equipment – a multifunctional space combining practicality with comfort.
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Tennis Court: A full-size tennis court was set discreetly into a sloping part of the garden using oak sleeper retaining and steel posts, carefully integrated into the wider setting.
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Lighting & Irrigation: Discreet lighting highlights the new features and extends usability into the evenings, while a fully automated irrigation system supports planting and sustainability.
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Soft Landscaping: Mature trees, shrubs, and herbaceous planting softened the hard landscaping, providing instant impact and tying the new works into the established garden.
The Result
The completed scheme is a large country garden that combines functionality with elegance. From poolside entertaining to evening tennis matches and peaceful relaxation on the terraces, every detail enhances the grandeur of this rural East Sussex estate. At Atlantes Landscapes, we take pride in creating gardens that respect their historic setting while providing our clients with modern, sustainable spaces to enjoy for years to come.
Client: Mr and Mrs W
Designer: Robin Templar Williams
Contractor: Atlantes Landscapes
PROJECT GALLERY
Is Lighting or Other Modern Infrastructure Permitted in Listed Gardens?
Many of our clients ask whether modern features such as lighting, irrigation, or garden technology can be included in a listed property’s garden. The simple answer is yes – modern infrastructure can be integrated into listed gardens, but it needs to be done with care and, in most cases, formal consent.
What You Need to Know
- Listed Building Consent: Any permanent changes to the garden of a listed property – including hard landscaping, new structures, or electrical installations – may require approval from your local planning authority or Conservation Officer.
- Sensitive Design: Lighting, irrigation, and cabling must be installed discreetly to avoid detracting from the historic character of the house and grounds. At Atlantes Landscapes, we specialise in designing schemes that highlight key features without overwhelming the heritage setting.
- Minimal Visual Impact: Modern features are best integrated into existing materials and natural lines – for example, low-level lighting along pathways, or irrigation hidden within planting beds. This ensures the garden retains its period charm while gaining the benefits of modern technology.
- Added Value: With the right design, lighting can transform a listed garden at night, while irrigation supports healthy planting without the need for constant manual watering. Both enhance usability and sustainability.
Our Approach
When working with listed gardens, we liaise closely with Conservation Officers to ensure every detail respects the historic fabric of the property. Our team has extensive experience blending heritage garden design with discreet, modern solutions that make the space more practical, welcoming, and enjoyable year-round.
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