Petworth, West Sussex, Swimming Pool Landscape Design
Nestled beside a traditional red brick residence in Petworth, West Sussex, this garden reimagines a town garden layout around an outdoor swimming pool and entertainment pavilion. Designed by South Downs Gardens, the site balances classic Sussex architectural character with clean, modern landscape architecture, creating a multi-layered sanctuary for relaxing, dining, and family life.
Spatial Concept & Layout
The master plan divides the garden into terraced zones to negotiate changing levels. At its center, a long swimming pool forms a visual axis toward a rear timber pool house, equipped with a fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and louvred pergola.
Surrounding spaces include an elevated sun deck, dining terrace, and upper lawn terraces with low brick retainers. Mature boundary trees frame lawn views while sheltering a hidden play area and studio.
Hard Landscaping & Craftsmanship
The hard landscaping palette bridges the traditional brick house with modern, minimalist detailing. Warm red clay pavers under the pergola echo the house façade, providing a textured base for the outdoor lounge and kitchen.
In contrast, smooth off-white porcelain paving wraps the pool and main pathways, staying cool underfoot and reflecting light into the water. Low brick retaining walls define borders and terrace levels, while cedar screens and timber decking add natural texture against the metal bioclimatic pergolas.
Planting & Seasonal Palette
The soft landscaping softens the geometric hardscape with dense, tactile planting. A low lavender border lines the pool deck, releasing fragrance when brushed.
In surrounding beds, a matrix of shrubs and perennials provides year-round interest. Multi-stem and pleached trees create an elevated screen, while shade-tolerant hydrangeas, euphorbia, ferns, and persicaria thrive beneath mature oaks and chestnuts. Low-voltage lighting throughout the borders casts gentle illumination across pathways, extending usability into summer evenings.