The owners of this  beachside holiday home  wanted a garden to compliment their beautifully refurbished house and amuse their three boisterous young boys. The wish list included a lawn for games, a play area, a fenced swimming pool, cycling paths, seating areas to enjoy the sea view and a herb garden. The main garden is to the front of the house, doubling as a welcoming entrance for family and friends.

Staggered rectangles divide the main garden into rooms, with raised planting beds to the rear to screen the play area and enclose the garden. The main entrance, through a pergola, ties with the secure screening for the pool and offers a fun route to the play area. A multi-level, ‘ship’ style deck at the back of the house provides access from the main living areas on the first floor and offers seating and sea views. Stone paving, pebble edging, solid, sandy paths and aqua painted woodwork reinforce the fresh seaside theme of the garden. Herb beds flank the entrance and grass and perennial planting offer seasonal interest and movement. Lobster pots, shells and fishing  nets add extra fun.

Photographs by Matthew Gilbert.