19th century barn garden
county louth

This 19th Century barn was part of a family farm that had lain derelict for over 40 years. The barn was refurbished in 2003/4 in an open plan contemporary style, with large windows overlooking the gardens, and access from the main hall, bedroom and from the upstairs deck, added in 2007.

The garden was to require little or no maintenance, but to include areas that could be modified at later stages by the clients themselves who enjoy gardening and eating outdoors.

The first stage of the project focused on re-drawing the driveway and car-parking spaces. The lower lawns were 'turned' to face the Mourne mountains and add length to the garden - also taking the eye away from the neighbours garden. In 2008 the paving at the front of the house is being installed, with matching planting at either side of a square 'lobby', flanked by rusty steel planters. To the side of the deck, and off the main bedroom, a new sun patio is being added, with a built bbq workspace and soft aromatic planting all around.