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Please help ! - Trying to create a Garden with Privacy

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Please help!!

I live in the UK, off a main high-way/'A' road. I am trying to get the most out of my home.

My house is approximately 15 meters to the slip road from the front door and another 2 meters to the main highway. Enclosed Picture 1 & Picture 2.
I am trying to achieve some privacy where by I am unable to see any cars when I open my front door, to reduce some traffic noise, to create a nicer view from the top bedroom also to try and keeping space for 2 cars. As you can see from Pictures, I live in a semi-detached house.
I know there are some amazing designers/creative people who use this website. I have spent hours researching and I am desperate to get some ideas,designs, thoughts to what I may be able to do.

I have two issues. First is as above. Second issue, I live next to a very busy coffee shop. The flat roof you can see on picture 5 is plastic, this was built to disguise a bin-pen for their rubbish. As you can see once again not the best view from the back bedroom either. If you look straight ahead behind the shed in the neighbours' garden I get some privacy from the two big conifer trees, which is great. The Only problem these trees bring, it is very difficult to grow anything on the back fence as the conifer trees drains all moisture from the soil in my Garden.
I hope someone see this as a challenge and can give me some help.

I am unable to enclose my photo ideas on here :0(

Please message me if you need more pictures.
Thank you.
Samantha

Featured Answer

rosecottagehome

10 years ago

Hi Samantha. You have a charming house. I like the bump out front window and your double gates are great. Do you absolutely need to park the car so close to your front door? I am envisioning a front court yard out your front door. Planted hydrangeas, potted flowers, a small water feature will really drown out the sound of traffic, some comfy chairs, small table for tea, lanterns, hanging baskets of ivy and flowers off the side of the garage, some garden art.........oh the possibilities. An oasis right out the front door when you come out and one to walk through once you walk through the Secret Garden gates. I like ASV suggestion to plant hedge beside the fence outside the gates and it will greatly soften the harsh high line of the fence and give a taste of what's to come behind the gates. If you could post a picture of the area out your front door, more ideas may come.

Comments (60)

PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
ASVInteriors - I'm sorry I have no drawn up plans. My property finishes where the fence ends.
PRO
ASVInteriors
10 years ago
In this instance, I would suggest planting a tall laurel hedge the width of your fence on the borderline of the property. This will enable you to turn the car into the drive way ( a kind of C shape around the garages) and also into your garages. This will give you the privacy you need.
style to sell thanked ASVInteriors
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@lisamarie1000 it looks like you've got quite a blank canvas to work with there but as well as giving lots of opportunities it can also be quite daunting if you don't know where to start. As a starting point I would look at where the sun falls in the garden as this can be important for growing vegetables and the greenhouse which need to be in as much sun as possible. Draw a plan to scale of the garden and use cut out shapes to represent the different areas (growing area, play area, sitting area etc.). You can place these on the plan and move them around until you get a layout that you are happy with. The size of the shapes needs to be big enough to represent what their use is. You can also base this on the dimensions of the house such as location of windows and doors. Try to avoid pushing everything to the edges as this can just draw attention to the boundaries and make the space feel small. Think about how you would move through the garden to get to the different areas. If you are going to have a path through, it will be more interesting if this isn't just a straight line down the middle. By making the route through have changes in direction you can add focal points (such as the apple tree) and make the garden seem bigger. If space is tight consider growing vegetables mixed in with ornamental plants so that the garden doesn't look like an allotment. Finally think about using screening with tall plants or trellis at various points so that you don't see the whole garden at once. This can also make the garden seem more interesting and enticing.
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Hi Emma, So nice to see a large space like this! I think that in your case, fencing would be the best option to avoid the dogs coming into your garden. You can always plant trees in front of it or even train climbers (such as the pyracantha that Charlotte suggested) on it in order to naturalise it a bit. In terms of avoiding the dog walkers being able to look into your bedroom, I would suggest that you use a strategically positioned tall evergreen tree that tolerates your clay soil, such as Eucalyptus. My neighbour has one in his garden to avoid the opposite (that we can look from our bedrooms on the third floor, into his garden, and it works year around!). As for your clay soil, I would suggest that you build paths around the garden so that you avoid walking over and compacting it during winter, and that you use planting on the ground in your garden that is able to tolerate this type of soil. These include the Eucalyptus, dogwoods, hydrangeas, budlejas, forsythias and the pyracantha. You can also build raised beds (the height aids drainage), bring some soil in and have plants in it that you like but that do not necessarily tolerate clay soil. Raised beds are also a great way to create inbuilt seating, bring height to the garden and much easier on your back to garden on. If you need any further help, I provide a range of online affordable garden design services from garden sketches to planting plans and 3D visuals. Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to learn more. Good luck with your garden! Deborah The Rooted Concept Garden Designs
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rosecottagehome
10 years ago
An inspirational photo for the outside fence.........
Arched Doorway · More Info
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank's for your advise. Please feel free to suggest any other options.
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
Secret garden oasis inspiration.........
Newport Fishing Cottage · More Info

Newport Fishing Cottage · More Info

Central Gardens · More Info
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
rosecottagehome, thank you for your kind words and ideas. Not sure if this will balance as I live in a semi-detached home. I will attach a photo.
handymam
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Again, that is a lot of hardscaping, and it appears that you need it all to get to the back yard behind gates with your car, or in front by the garage doors. Am I correct that the garage on the left only is yours? I am wondering where you are going to plant if you have to park/drive in that area. Only that little strip out front by the road is plantable at present.
sunnie2day
10 years ago
Samantha, your neighbour has a courtyard with a footpath entry (on the right side looking at the pic) where on your side it's a car park, right? Do you want to give up parking outside, or are you able to use the garage showing on your side of the property?

Is there a door from the garage to the area where your car is parked behind the gates or is the only egress from the garage door?

I'm asking because you could easily implement an footpath entry like the one your neighbour has if yes, and maintain symmetry.
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
Hi Handymam,yes I only own the garage on the left.
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
Hi sunnie2day, this is exactly why I feel a bit lost. The garage is more of a storage space. If I put my car in the garage I won't be able to open the car door to get out, (great planning, this was before we bought it) plus the only way in/out from the garage is via the main white garage door.
I was uncomfortable leaving the car on the main slip road for security reasons. Any ideas? :)
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
I guess it comes down to if you can park the car, hopefully you have only one, in the garage or in front of the garage door on the pavement, if you have two cars. I am not giving up on a welcoming front garden: ) Your neighbour appears to have some form of hedging out front of their foot path gate, and so if you could plant along your fence from the road to the gate, that would look balanced at the front with your neighbours side. If the car can be parked out on the driveway or in the garage, then this would allow you to do a garden plan for inside the gate area to your front door. You can do so much in a small space and to have a special private outdoor space to sit and turn hard surface to greenery would expand your total living space: ))
style to sell thanked rosecottagehome
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
We posted at the same time so you have answered two of my questions.
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Any way the area could be more secure with motion spot lights, if the car could be parked in front of the garage door. You do have car alarms also in UK?
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
This is the view if I leave my car on the slip road.
sunnie2day
10 years ago
Rosecottage, oh my yes we have car alarms over here - and the sound of one going off is every bit as annoying over here as it was back in the States, lol!

Samantha, oh do I understand! Do you get a discount on your car insurance if it's garage/secure car park kept?

We do get the discount, but just now we're in a temp home, probably be moving Spring or Summer '14 and the garage in the temp house is quite the tight squeeze. So we're in the process of creating raised, on the wall storage bins some of which will be lowered with a pulley system. That will make it possible to open the side door to the back garden.

Have you considered something like raised storage, and having a door cut through to the front enclosed garden?

Also, read back over your OP - have you considered large potted evergreens to create instant barrier-privacy in the areas where moisture and roots from neighbouring gardens and the unsightly bin-pen are problems? An instant barrier through potted plants can also be used to grant more privacy at the front door.
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
sunnie2day, thank you for taking your time to give me ideas :0). Leaving the car behind a lockable gate gives me a piece of mind, also I'm sure it must have an impact on my insurance premium. But I might have to give this up to create my own little 'secret garden'. However, I do feel all the land in front of the gates is waisted.
I also have the issue of the general public using the private slip road and my drive-way as a right of way to ''just leave their cars'' so they can visit the coffee shop next door!!!. This is an ongoing dram which frustrates me...
I was trying to create a garden where by people would feel as if they are in private property/ land so they won't leave their cars outside my driveway. I will enclose a photo.
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
Alright, I hear you and see your dilemma with the out of sight car slip: ) May I suggest then a compromise.........can you park the car then, just at the spot when you pull through the gate? This would allow you a smaller but still lovely area to work in a garden/maybe courtyard to your front door? sunnie2day I like your suggestion for an instant potted privacy green screen. Also your suggestion to pull up storage bins on a pulley system in the garage so maybe, Samantha can park the car in there?? We also have car alarms in Canada where I live ; ))
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
Samantha what about a " Private property, no parking" sign. A big half barrel, or large planters on the ground, brimming with plants near the bottom and up the side from the street to the fence, possibly 3, would state this is my house, respect it!
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
Problem !
sunnie2day
10 years ago
Oh dear! Why do people think it's fine to block or use someone else' drive?! Have you contacted the coffee shop re the parking problem, or the council to see if you can report number plates of parking invaders? Surely the parking on the slip road is for occupiers only, does the council offer permits? Ours does on the roads where it's become a problem (close to the town centre mainly).

Too, have you thought about extending the front garden down to your property line, leaving the drive and a car sized L securable space? Come down from the garage line, leave a slip open for the car - you could use the old gates for savings.

Then forward towards the house you could have a short hedge separating your car park area, and have all the rest of the space for your retreat area - does that make sense?
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
Too narrow?? Grrrrrrr. Have you looked at the Austin Mini or the wee little Smart Car? LOL
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
sunnie2day you may be on to something by George!
sunnie2day
10 years ago
Ooooh, I'm so longing for one of the new Fiat 500s, so tiny yet so much boot space, and soooooooooooooooo easy to park!
User
10 years ago
By George, by crikey she's got it ! Is it catching?
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
boot space??? Oh yes that is the trunk correct? Yes but will it fit into the darn parking space so we can give Sam a front courtyard garden? LOL
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
Chookchook.........you're up! Take it easy now OK? LOL
sunnie2day
10 years ago
Oh heck no, I'm waiting to see what Chook has to say over on the Ideas for a Man-Cave discussion, so she must not take anything easy just yet!
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
ok, you guys are funny lol !! I can't change my car, I want to use as much land as possible to create a nice garden and look as balanced as possible with my neighbour x
rosecottagehome
10 years ago
OK, so what do you think you will do with the car? Where can you park it so we know what we have left to work with : )
sunnie2day
10 years ago
I'm really stumped now! Looking at your pictures, Samantha, in some I actually see two cars - are you a two car home?

I can understand wanting to keep a balanced look so that lets out bringing the front garden down to the front property line and with two cars it wouldn't work anyway. Hmmmm, going to have to sleep on this and hope one of the 'Cross the Ponders come up with something in the meantime.

How cool is this, it's really like an open-all-hours:) With the international membership Houzzers can be helping out 24h a day!
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
sunni2day, this parking problem is on going issue with the council and the coffee shop. I've been on this case for over a year now !!!! grrrrrrrrrr

I like your idea of extending the front garden, but I don't know how odd it will look with my neighbours house ?
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
sunni2day, yes I am a 2 car home and thanks for your input.
sunnie2day
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Two cars, and the council isn't moving on the coffee shop problem - lol, you could be living in my council area:) Right, sorry, I know it's not really funny when you've been under it for over a year.

I can see the extended front garden and reconfigured car park in my mind's eye and it looks 'right' even with two cars tucked in there, but the best thing would be to have an architect or designer draw it for you - if you're tech-able you can download free software to draw it yourself. I don't have any links but I know there are several Houzzers who can steer you in the right directions - and the bonus is they're here in the UK:)

I'm falling asleep at the keyboard, so I'll read your answer to my next questions in the morning if someone hasn't come up with mo-bettah overnight:

1-Have you measured off and done a rough scale drawing of what you have, and what you'd like?

2-Do you have a budget worked out for making changes?

3-Does that budget extend to having a designer or architect lend a hand? Most are very reasonable, and will work with you - the ones I know will take your budget and DIY skills into account when working something up for you.

4-Is this a complete DIY, a combination Pro-DIY, or a full-on all Pro all the way budget?
style to sell thanked sunnie2day
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
sunnie2day..get some sleep and ill speak to you tomo. 1- No scale drawings are completed as I really wanted to get some ideas before I did this.
2- I want to achieve the secluded feeling and would be nice to get an idea from someone professional on how much it could/would cost with all what we've spoken about. If it turns in to a crazy money spinner I may have to cut down on things.
3- If I need to get some professional help I am happy for the budget to be extended.
4- More Pro and I can help in-between working and weekends.

If there is anyone who can help me design at this stage please help :0)
kookabura1
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Can you hire a creepy looking guy in a trench coat to lurk furtively by your oak tree and scare away Starbucks customers?
Finally paint "No Parking" in large letters on the sidewalk. This will piss off the council no end and will elicit an immediate response from them.
User
10 years ago
I lived in a street not far from rail station. Lots of people parked across my driveway entrance and I was quite ruthless after one went off for 9 hours to work and I couldn't get my son to Dr. I would ring the parking police at our municipal council and make a big fuss each time. I also put " dont block my driveway , I have photographed your number plate " notes under windscreens wipers. Put a sign on your garage door saying that people who block driveways are idiots and make it big. Because they are. And selfish.
User
10 years ago
Kookaburra, loved your last two ideas.
kookabura1
10 years ago
Yeah, well never claimed to be able to decorate but I can be offensive with the best. I will delete all but my last two comments! My talents are wasted in Atlanta tho I do my best. As a kid I always wanted to be Australian. What do you want to be when you grow up? An Aussie...... Sigh, now I'm too old to emigrate there
User
10 years ago
Aussies like tourists. It's good for the economy. So come on down, guys!
sunnie2day
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Good afternoon! Meant to post this in much earlier but Life has this nasty habit of getting in the way of my 'Net time! (Hmph)

http://www.houzz.com/pro/oneplan/oneplan

She's wonderful, reasonable in both price and especially personality, and can draw you up something you'll be thrilled with:)

@Chook, If I weren't Scottish (by descent and residence now) I'd be Australian. Or New Zealander. Hard to choose between the two really. I've really close friends in both countries, thank-goodness for email and Skype!
style to sell thanked sunnie2day
User
10 years ago
Sunnie, if you go to the Digeridoo University in Alice Springs and get qualified(takes an hour), if you learn to handball a footy, if you practise saying 'day' in the street ( it means Hello), if you can identify a Hills Hoist, Dunny, Victa, Togs/ Cossie ; we will probably give you honorary citizenship.
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
10 years ago
thanks sunnie, trying to make the most on my day off.... lots of jobs !
apple_pie_order
10 years ago
It looks like people are trying to park between your driveway and the fence-neighbor's driveway. Many cars won't fit, so they stick out into your driveway's exit path. How about painting that curb red or whatever color means "no parking"?
Sara Smith
8 years ago
If you want privacy at the front of your home to stop people to seeing in, then you could either change your gates to completely enclosed the area and have a CCTV system set up so visitors can alert you when they arrive. Or preferably, you could separate the two drives by erecting a fence between the two garage doors and plant a nice tall hedge 3/4 of the way along the front boundary to obscure the view of the main house. You could then reverse round the hedgerow and park the car at an angle so it is partially obscured by the hedgerow, with CCTV and security lights shining down from the top of the garage to give you peace of mind. It would be lovely to remove the gates and be able to look out of your front door and see the hedgerows, and they would also help to muffle the sound of the traffic
PRO
Bitsnbats
8 years ago
Hello. To me it seems obvious that the whole of the area in front of your house is not used how you would like it to be. The garage does not store a car. The gate is in the wrong place. There is no garden/greenery. The reason you feel your car is safe in front of your door is because the barrier of your gate is so far back it's the only place to park it. I would seriously consider getting rid of the garage and starting with a blank canvas. It will add value to your property if you do it well. It will give you more space, greenery, a better garage, more security and you can add lighting into the mix.
PRO
Bitsnbats
8 years ago
Hello. To me it seems obvious that the whole of the area in front of your house is not used how you would like it to be. The garage does not store a car. The gate is in the wrong place. There is no garden/greenery. The reason you feel your car is safe in front of your door is because the barrier of your gate is so far back it's the only place to park it. I would seriously consider getting rid of the garage and starting with a blank canvas. It will add value to your property if you do it well. It will give you more space, greenery, a better garage, more security and you can add lighting into the mix.
User
8 years ago
GUYS! TWO YEAR OLD THREAD!!
PRO
style to sell
Original Author
8 years ago
This project is still not completed... other projects took priority :0(
PRO
Bitsnbats
8 years ago
Yep and time to go to bed....night night everyone. :-) zzzz

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