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Culross, Fife.

A Contemporary Coastal Garden in Fife

Our clients approached us with a vision for transforming an underused and uninspiring area of their expansive garden in the stunning coastal village of Culross, Fife. Having seen work we’d completed for a friend of theirs, they were keen for us to reimagine an under utilised garden space that directly led from their guest bedroom suite — a spot with huge potential, incredible views, and a need for more privacy.

The brief was clear: to create a modern, elegant retreat that would sit sympathetically alongside their beautiful period home. Lisa worked closely with the clients — who had a strong sense of what they liked and didn’t — to design a modern, bold and elegant space that preserved views across the large mature garden and over the Firth of Forth.

Materials were thoughtfully combined to introduce texture and define different zones, subtly guiding the flow between new and existing areas. A bold black timber pergola anchors the terrace, with additional ornamental posts set within the adjoining planted area. Structural planting includes clipped Taxus baccata cubes, three striking Ilex trees, and sculptural topiary balls, softened by swathes of ornamental grasses and vibrant seasonal planting that will come ablaze in summer.

The design includes quiet nods to Japanese influences as our clients had spent a period of time living there, with the black pergola and a bespoke larch timber bench delivering both aesthetic interest and a sense of stillness.

We also added a generous new terrace area partially enclosed with a reclaimed random rubble wall to create an intimate area that ties in perfectly with the existing boundaries. It’s set to become a relaxed fire pit zone, perfectly positioned to capture the golden light at the end of the day whilst overlooking the sea.

The sun shone throughout the build, and it was an absolute pleasure to create this thoughtful space in such an idyllic location — and for truly wonderful clients who are now enjoying their transformed garden to the fullest.