The Old School House
The Old School House is a Grade II listed building in the Cotswolds. A multi-phase renovation has transformed the property to offer modern comforts while retaining its historic charm. The project consisted of two parts: the renovation of the main house and the creation of a multi-functional pool house, swimming pool and landscaped garden.
The Brief was to create a fully accessible garden space, as one of the clients is now in a wheelchair.
The Concept design was created; implementation was to be in phases while the main house renovation was on-going.
Phase 1 - new kitchen garden, with greenhouse and raised beds for wheelchair gardening, along with wide paths for easy access.
Phase 2 - the swimming pool build, along with the pool house construction.
Phase 3 - the terraces and planting beds around the house and pool.
Around the pool, wide paths for safe wheelchair access. The space is flexible for both dining and sunbathing. Shade is created by Liquidambar-parasol-trained trees which will grow together to form an overhead green canopy.
Terraces near to the house are used for relaxation and dining with an outdoor stove for the evenings. Planting beds separate the pool area with multi-stemmed Amelanchier lamarkii trees, with garden lighting throughout for the evening.
Planting is traditional in style near to the house. Yew balls give the evergreen structure to the planting, with cottage style planting of white Hydrangea “Strong Annabelle’ and Lavender ‘Hidcote’ along with climbing Roses, Paeonies and Foxgloves. Around the pool a naturalistic palette of grasses and perennials links to the landscape beyond.
Tall Yew hedges are used around the pool area to give both a feeling of privacy and to provide a windbreak.
Construction: Box Capital Developments
Architect: Ashleigh Clarke
Photos: Adam Carter
