Our clients first visited Ellicar back in 2018, where they explored our gardens, swam in our natural pool, and fell in love with the planting, wildlife, and atmosphere. Inspired by their visit, they asked us to recreate something similar at their new home in Hertfordshire - a complete transformation of a neglected plot into a timeless retreat.

The site, once dominated by overgrown laurels and tired shrubs, was cleared to make way for their dream Italianate villa and a garden to match. We worked closely with the architects to design a natural swimming pool that connects seamlessly with the house. Running parallel to the villa, the pool provides long, uninterrupted views of sparkling water from every main room.

The design features a 25m x 2.5m swimming lane for serious lengths, complemented by a wider, shallower zone for family recreation, lounging, and diving. A gently shelving beach offers safe access for children, while a generous sun deck provides the perfect place to relax beside the water.

The pool is edged by a gravel garden planted with aromatic Mediterranean-style herbs and grasses, punctuated by elegant cypress trees that mirror the symmetry of the villa’s columns. A long timber walkway runs the length of the swim lane, while a discreet deck conceals the Bio-top biological filtration equipment and doubles as an all-day sun trap. Beyond, a yoga studio has been carefully positioned to capture serene views along the water’s edge.

We extended the design into the wider garden, creating flowing curves and organic pathways that balance the villa’s formal style. Fine gravel paths, soft naturalistic planting, and swathes of grasses lead visitors on a journey through the garden, blending structure with softness. A recreational lawn wraps around the pool, with playful features — a hand-woven willow dome, a sunken trampoline, and a climbing frame — all integrated with specimen trees and seasonal planting.

The result is a garden that celebrates water, nature, and outdoor living — a sustainable, biodiverse retreat where the whole family can swim, play, and unwind together.