Labrador Bay
Year of completion
2022
Location
Labrador Bay, South Devon
Landscape Contractor
South Hams Fencing and Landscaping
Consultants
VESP Architects, Ashburton
Goulden & Sons, Totnes
Photography
Richard Downer Photography
Lou and Rob embarked on a radical journey to create a one-of-a-kind home perched on the edge of a cliff, aiming for something that wouldn’t just sit on the land but become part of it. They knew their project might shake things up in the area, with a house coming down and new construction, but they were determined to keep the impact contained to the garden area of their wider 20-acre site.
Lou was all about seeing the big picture. She understood that the landscape and the architecture had to dance together, so she contacted me early on to ensure the landscape design was developed alongside the house. Their goal? To not just recover from construction but to make the land even more vibrant and diverse than before, ditching the typical manicured lawns for something wilder and more alive.
Pulling off a project of this scale took a team. As well as the architects, engineers, geotechnical and drainage consultants all contributed to make their dream a reality. And let’s not forget Goulden & Sons, the real heroes who made it happen on the ground.
The new house is nestled in to the hillside, softening its impact on the landscape. The heart of their vision lay in creating outdoor spaces that would serve as extensions of their home, providing opportunities for connection with nature and breathtaking views of the sea. From the expansive roof terrace to the intimate sitting areas nestled within the garden.
Lou was all about bringing the land back to life so we set out a planting strategy to blend the garden into the surrounding woodland. We implemented a planting scheme that would not only beautify the landscape but also support local biodiversity and naturalise over time. From reintroducing woodland flora to creating coastal wildflower meadows, every element of the design was carefully considered to enhance the ecology of the site.
Building the house was a thrill, but for Lou, the real magic was watching the landscape come alive around them through the seasons.
