Services used
Design, Hard and Soft Landscaping, Water Features, Timber Work, Irrigation
Project
Specialist Water Feature Garden
Duration
4 months
Location
Cranleigh, Surrey
Garden design for Grade II listed property
Wheelchair-friendly pathways weave through the former farmyard of this Grade II listed home, combining Nidagravel stabilised gravel, resin-bonded, and paved surfaces. Locally reclaimed bricks and paving—chosen to echo the building’s heritage—were sourced from nearby reclamation yards and approved by the planning authority.
Hand-Crafted Copper Water Feature & Obelisk Finials
The centrepiece of the garden was a bespoke water feature, meticulously hand-crafted from reclaimed copper piping. Water was circulated through a balancing tank equipped with an automatic top-up system and a self-cleaning mechanism, ensuring exceptionally low maintenance. From there, it travelled up the elegant copper stems before gently trickling over the hand-shaped leaves of a magnificent Japanese Maple tree — a sight of pure artistry, particularly when illuminated at night.
To complement the central feature, the copper artichoke finials crowning the handmade hardwood obelisks were created using the same intricate techniques, uniting the design in both craftsmanship and material.
Client: Mr and Mrs B
Designer: Paul Bentley MCIHort, ARB, MAPLD
Contractor: Atlantes Landscapes
PROJECT GALLERY
How Do You Choose Materials for a Grade II Listed Garden?
When working with a Grade II listed property, every design decision must respect the home’s historic character while meeting planning authority requirements. One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “What materials can I use in a listed garden?”
The answer is that reclaimed and locally sourced materials are often the best choice. For this project, we used traditional paving, reclaimed bricks, and heritage-style gravel systems that not only complemented the building but were also approved by the planning team. This approach ensures that the garden blends seamlessly with its surroundings while maintaining long-term durability.
By choosing authentic, sustainable materials, you don’t just preserve the character of the property—you also create a garden that tells a story. Every reclaimed brick or handcrafted detail adds depth, history, and individuality that modern materials often can’t replicate.
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