Hi there,potentially a great project.You have a superb blank canvas from which to create a landscape. Freshscaped will be able to assist you,I am sure. Meanwhile,if you seek inspiration.....have a look on my website under Portfolio sections; Landscaping and Poolhouses. A recently completed job in Kent where we added woodland,a stream,wild meadow, an eco office,and a superb Marston & Langinger orangery type building. I would be more than happy to put forward some ideas that Freshscaped could develop, or indeed assist with any Interior Renovations you may be doing also. I am based in Surrey,and work in London & the home counties. Best of luck,and do drop me a line if I can be of any inspiration to you. www.bellawhiteleyinteriors.co.uk

I think the idea of a border next to the raised patio would look better than a fence or railings, partly because I don't think a fence would be a nice view from your patio doors. I would have railings to the side of the steps only, perhaps simple cast iron. This isn't a great photo (fifth photo along) but it shows steps going down with planting either side which I think would look best http://www.stephenlacey.com/uk-garden-design.htm

Hey! I can't advise too much on the woodwork but I think a fresh coat of paint would give this a new lease of life! Maybe get some climbers to wrap themselves around the wood - white and green is a lovely light combination.

Hi. would you use a shower? It may be very expensive to run plumbing there and I'm guessing (!) you may also need council and leaseholder permission. I can't save pics as I have a poorly iPad but maybe google images of moroccan style courtyard for inspiration. I would have a self-contained water feature perhaps on the end wall if there isn't the floor space. Use mirrors on a ŵall to make it feel larger, I think you can get Moroccan outdoor ones. Moroccan encaustic tiles for the floor. If in budget a U shaped bench seat which you can add colourful cushions to when the weather permits, if not an all weather rattan sofa with a coffee table. If you want to use it all year round I would add a ŵall heater and a canopy of sorts with either fairy lights or moroccan lanterns. I'd also think about practicalities of gardening so I might be tempted to mix in a few faux plants..