sidesWith almost 1,000 square metres of garden to play with at their three bedroom home on a quiet cul de sac in Fishponds, we catch up with homeowners Chris and Amy to talk through inspiration, their plans and creating the perfect eco space.
With almost 1,000 square metres of garden to play with at their three bedroom home on a quiet cul de sac in Fishponds, we catch up with homeowners Chris and Amy to talk through inspiration, their plans and creating the perfect eco space.
“We inherited a well structured garden, but it was quite plain – just a few sheds, a pond, some lawn, and eight raised beds. Oh, and the old duck run. What really stood out for us when we first viewed the garden was just how much sunshine it gets as it’s so big. We really wanted to make the most of it, setting up different garden areas to enjoy at different times of the day.”
With two ‘escape-artist’ turtles, Pauli and Schanze, to consider, the first steps were ensuring that they had a safe place to call home.
“We focused on getting the pond ready for the turtles to start with – there was quite a bit of clearing needed there, and we’ve now turned this into a tranquil space, drawing inspiration from Japan where we had our honeymoon. With gravel pathways, a beautiful Katsura tree and a wooden arbour, it’s the perfect spot for our morning coffees. The feature waterfall with its trickling water makes for such a calm, peaceful area to really relax in and watch the turtles basking.”
With DIY and growing their own veg being a priority, the next focus was on the work areas and storage options.
“We replaced the old tin shed with a large wooden workshop, which works as a wood store and a place for me to hide and do my DIY” explains Chris.
“We then moved the second shed to create a summerhouse with extended alfresco dining area. With overhead cover just in case (knowing the British weather) it’s just perfect on an evening for a BBQ with family and friends. With both sheds, the workshop, and the summerhouse all having power and wifi, it opens up the possibilities for working outside, and needless to say, we’ve also had some great parties!”
A focus on eco, sustainable living has also played a big part in the planning for each space in the garden for the couple.
“We knew that we wanted the opportunity to really enjoy nature and grow our own fruit and veg. We created a small sunken garden with a tomato house, and we have bushes and trees growing blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples and gooseberries. In the raised beds we’ve also grown potatoes, onions, beans, beetroot, salad, courgettes and rhubarb, and there are parts of summer where we barely need to buy any fruit or veg whatsoever! There’s a little out-house in the courtyard area where we keep a spare fridge and freezer, which has been really handy given the number of jams and chutneys we make, as well as our own rhubarb gin and lavender gin.”
With Oldbury Court Estate less than a few minutes walk from their home, Amy and Chris wanted to draw inspiration from the green spaces around them when considering the design.
“Towards the back of the lawn is what we call our ‘wild’ area, where we’ve planted a variety of trees around the original apple tree. We’ve set up bird feeders, a bird bath and a bug hotel, so it’s a real little haven. With such a great park just around the corner, we have access to some brilliant walks not just for us, but also our rescue lurcher, Til, who loves a good run around. There are so many options around the area, you can walk down to Eastville Park, across to Stoke Park or up to Frenchay, and along the river beyond on the Frome Valley walkway, which really kept us going during the lockdowns!”
Whilst it may feel that you’re close to the countryside, with the cycle route into the city so close by, the commute for Amy when she was travelling to the office seemed like a breeze.
“When I was still working in the office, just by Temple Meads, I never drove to work, I always cycled. You can join the cycle path by Morrisons and it takes you straight into the city in about 15 minutes. Or if you’re looking for shops and entertainment closer to home, both Fishponds and Staple Hill high streets are within walking distance, including some great micro pubs like Snuffy Jack’s and the Wooden Walls.”
Now looking for somewhere out of Bristol towards Worcester to be closer to family and new job opportunities, the couple definitely want to look for another garden project in their next home.
“For our next home, we know that we want that feeling of space and a bit of a project again. With this house, you have the perfect indoor-outdoor living space to be enjoyed all year round and that’s something that we will really miss.”
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