Dart View, Devon

Set into the hillside on the outskirts of Totnes, Dart View has an elevated position overlooking the surrounding Devon landscape. The garden is split across a series of terraces and levels, each with very different light, aspect and character.

The design works with these existing conditions rather than trying to impose a single character across the whole garden. The lower and middle terraces are treated as a bold, open planting landscape, using drifts of grasses and architectural perennials to create movement, rhythm and seasonal change. A palette of drought-tolerant and free-draining species responds to the sandy soils and exposed conditions, with herbs and edible planting brought closer to the house.

The upper terrace has a more enclosed and established feel. Existing trees and strong specimens provide the framework for a quieter, woodland-inspired garden, with layers of ferns, grasses, groundcovers and shade-tolerant perennials creating a sense of depth and enclosure.

At the front of the property, the existing lawn and tired planting are reworked to create a softer and more considered arrival. Layered planting helps connect the garden with the neighbouring landscape, while evergreen structure and seasonal interest give the space a stronger presence throughout the year.

Across the garden, the planting is designed to feel generous and naturalistic, with repetition and considered contrasts tying the different spaces together. The result is a garden that responds closely to its hillside setting, making the most of the existing levels and views while creating a series of distinct spaces that will develop and become richer over time.