Outdoor Living: 10 Stylish Garden Retreats for Two to Enjoy
Kick back and make the most of summer with your significant other in these romantic spots
Summer is all about relaxing with the ones you love, and these outdoor retreats built for two all prove that, sometimes, less is more. Whether you’re in the first flush of love, well-seasoned romantics or simply great friends, grab a glass of wine and settle back in these small but perfectly formed private getaways.
Stay simple
A patch of grass, two compact folding chairs and a mini table – that’s all you really need to enjoy a cosy moment, as this cute shepherd’s hut proves. Classic bistro-style metal table and chair sets like this can be picked up for peanuts these days, but they have an enduring charm, and can, of course, be used in the tightest of corners.
A patch of grass, two compact folding chairs and a mini table – that’s all you really need to enjoy a cosy moment, as this cute shepherd’s hut proves. Classic bistro-style metal table and chair sets like this can be picked up for peanuts these days, but they have an enduring charm, and can, of course, be used in the tightest of corners.
Fashion an urban oasis
Urban gardens have a charm of their own, and here the architecture provides a distinctive backdrop. The curved line of beds maps out an intimate dining area for two, while one elegant, well-placed tree provides shape, shade and dappled light.
If you thought crazy paving was a 1980s hangover, this update proves it can work, done right. The classic Harry Bertoia Wire chairs, meanwhile, up the sense of style.
Check out why Bertoia chairs rock
Urban gardens have a charm of their own, and here the architecture provides a distinctive backdrop. The curved line of beds maps out an intimate dining area for two, while one elegant, well-placed tree provides shape, shade and dappled light.
If you thought crazy paving was a 1980s hangover, this update proves it can work, done right. The classic Harry Bertoia Wire chairs, meanwhile, up the sense of style.
Check out why Bertoia chairs rock
Follow the straight and narrow
This compact garden squeezed between two houses might be super-slim, but it’s perfect for two to enjoy a morning cup of coffee. The architectural mix adds real character, and the planting (in some seriously skinny beds) has an almost tropical feel. A picnic bench butted up against a wall works when you need width, but not extra seats.
This compact garden squeezed between two houses might be super-slim, but it’s perfect for two to enjoy a morning cup of coffee. The architectural mix adds real character, and the planting (in some seriously skinny beds) has an almost tropical feel. A picnic bench butted up against a wall works when you need width, but not extra seats.
Lie back and relax
Raised decking is a smart way to demarcate seating areas, and this semicircular platform has been proportioned for a cosy twosome. If you’re after a sneaky siesta, then a slouchy beanbag beats a hard garden bench hands down. And the hot pink adds a carefree feel even on overcast days. Just add cold drinks and summery music.
Raised decking is a smart way to demarcate seating areas, and this semicircular platform has been proportioned for a cosy twosome. If you’re after a sneaky siesta, then a slouchy beanbag beats a hard garden bench hands down. And the hot pink adds a carefree feel even on overcast days. Just add cold drinks and summery music.
Create a sculptural setting
In small spaces, your choice of furniture is even more crucial. Sculptural chairs like these provide a strong focal point; more traditional ones would have created a completely different feel. This exotic, mini courtyard packs in an awful lot, including distinctive furniture, varied materials (decking and paving stones) and beautiful big pots.
In small spaces, your choice of furniture is even more crucial. Sculptural chairs like these provide a strong focal point; more traditional ones would have created a completely different feel. This exotic, mini courtyard packs in an awful lot, including distinctive furniture, varied materials (decking and paving stones) and beautiful big pots.
Build a private booth
Finding the perfect alfresco restaurant table is a summer quest that often never comes to fruition… The owners of this Maida Vale garden have sidestepped the problem with an outdoor booth tucked in a private corner. Enjoy chia porridge at breakfast, salads by day, and bowls of pasta at night, and revel in the fact you didn’t need to book.
Finding the perfect alfresco restaurant table is a summer quest that often never comes to fruition… The owners of this Maida Vale garden have sidestepped the problem with an outdoor booth tucked in a private corner. Enjoy chia porridge at breakfast, salads by day, and bowls of pasta at night, and revel in the fact you didn’t need to book.
Have a rooftop romance
Nothing beats a glass of wine at dusk on a balmy summer’s evening. This Notting Hill roof terrace has all the ingredients for an exclusive romantic drinks party à deux. Built-in benches like this can work well when space is tight, and be used all year round, with or without cushions. Painting walls blue is another way to capture the ever-popular indoor-outdoor feeling.
Nothing beats a glass of wine at dusk on a balmy summer’s evening. This Notting Hill roof terrace has all the ingredients for an exclusive romantic drinks party à deux. Built-in benches like this can work well when space is tight, and be used all year round, with or without cushions. Painting walls blue is another way to capture the ever-popular indoor-outdoor feeling.
Go for modernist love
Think Brutalist concrete doesn’t make for romance? Think again. In this structured courtyard it’s been softened with soft foliage for an uber-cool, contemporary effect that’s more Barbican than back garden. The twin black loungers complement the sleek design and keep things simple and chic.
Discover why concrete can be your friend
Think Brutalist concrete doesn’t make for romance? Think again. In this structured courtyard it’s been softened with soft foliage for an uber-cool, contemporary effect that’s more Barbican than back garden. The twin black loungers complement the sleek design and keep things simple and chic.
Discover why concrete can be your friend
Take tea
This glorious Zen garden features a modern take on a traditional Japanese tea house – the ideal tranquil spot to partake in your own private tea ceremony together. It can be enjoyed at night, too, as it features in-built lighting. The woven chairs and table follow the peaceful Eastern theme, along with the tinkling water feature.
TELL US…
Have you designed a garden retreat for two? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
This glorious Zen garden features a modern take on a traditional Japanese tea house – the ideal tranquil spot to partake in your own private tea ceremony together. It can be enjoyed at night, too, as it features in-built lighting. The woven chairs and table follow the peaceful Eastern theme, along with the tinkling water feature.
TELL US…
Have you designed a garden retreat for two? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
This smart little spot has a relaxed bistro feel. The linear wooden screening is a stylish alternative to bog-standard fencing, while a wide mirror makes the space seem bigger. Investing in outdoor lighting means a simple set-up for two can easily segue from afternoon tea to dinner à deux.