Garden Tour: An English Idyll With a Sociable Heart
A wood-fired swimming pool and pretty pavilion – not to mention gorgeous views – make this garden a relaxing, sociable space all year round
Tucked away in the Somerset countryside, Christina and Mark’s garden has a quintessentially English feel that perfectly complements their 16th century home.
But this traditional space has been coaxed into the 21st century with a series of gentle updates and a lot of hard work. Tucked away are hidden gems, such as a swimming pool heated by a wood-burner, a shady pavilion for alfresco meals and a lofty tree house with majestic views. They all add fun and interest to this rural haven designed for sociable living.
Take a tour of the interiors of this country home
But this traditional space has been coaxed into the 21st century with a series of gentle updates and a lot of hard work. Tucked away are hidden gems, such as a swimming pool heated by a wood-burner, a shady pavilion for alfresco meals and a lofty tree house with majestic views. They all add fun and interest to this rural haven designed for sociable living.
Take a tour of the interiors of this country home
As the creative director of homeware and fashion brand Cabbages & Roses, Christina has an artistic and perfectionist eye and readily admits ‘the garden is an ongoing project’.
Tablecloth fabric, Hatley Pink by Cabbages & Roses.
Tablecloth fabric, Hatley Pink by Cabbages & Roses.
Near to the house, a bespoke pavilion provides a sturdy weatherproof base for outdoor meals. ‘We have breakfast, lunch and dinner here as much as possible,’ says Christina.
The pavilion was designed by Mark and built by Sam Haynes. Christina has created a homely feel with masses of cushions in her faded floral fabrics, which invite friends and family to linger.
Pavilion, Sam Haynes for Ed of The Woods. Tablecloth fabric, Bees by Cabbages & Roses.
Pavilion, Sam Haynes for Ed of The Woods. Tablecloth fabric, Bees by Cabbages & Roses.
A pretty linen tablecloth and proper crockery, glassware and cutlery make for luxurious alfresco meals. The open sides of the pavilion offer wonderful views, while a solid roof provides shelter from showers.
Tucked away in a corner of the garden is an inviting turquoise open-air swimming pool, a long-awaited addition to the garden. ‘I had wanted a pool for ever,’ admits Christina.
However, this recent addition to the garden took a fair amount of planning and creative problem solving when it came to getting it delivered to the site. ‘We found a fibreglass pool,’ explains Christina, ‘but it then had to be delivered across the field on a tractor.’
However, this recent addition to the garden took a fair amount of planning and creative problem solving when it came to getting it delivered to the site. ‘We found a fibreglass pool,’ explains Christina, ‘but it then had to be delivered across the field on a tractor.’
As with the rest of the house, the pool is heated by a wood-burning system. ‘My son is a tree surgeon, so we have a good supply of wood to fuel it,’ explains Christina. ‘I’ve used the pool all summer long.’
Swimming pool, Sundance pools.
Check out more sensational swimming pools
Swimming pool, Sundance pools.
Check out more sensational swimming pools
A swing seat offers the perfect shady spot in which to sit by the pool. Draped in pretty pink and a billowing white canopy, it’s as picturesque as it is practical.
Swinging seat, Odd Limited
Swinging seat, Odd Limited
Next to the swimming pool sit neat rows of vegetables in raised beds, all dug by Christina from an overgrown field. She now grows all sorts of vegetables, reeling off, ‘Beans, peas, artichokes, courgettes, French beans, roses, cutting flowers…’
This rustic little tree house sits at the top of the valley. When you enter through the door on this side, you’re greeted with a treetop view from the opposite side as the valley drops away.
The whitewashed tree house makes a quaint hideaway for children and adults alike, offering an escape from the real world even on rainy days. It has also starred as a catalogue photo shoot location
Even in this space, Christina’s trademark florals adds a pretty note, while the shabby chic furniture sits beautifully amid the distressed wood for a relaxed mood.
Tablecloth fabric, Bees by Cabbages & Roses.
Tablecloth fabric, Bees by Cabbages & Roses.
This is very much a living garden, used for daily life – drying laundry, washing muddy boots – as much as for socialising.
Christina’s design eye touches everything in the garden. Even this scattering of wildflowers is a beautifully chosen mix of whites and violets, which perfectly frame the view across to the house.
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TELL US…
What did you like about this English country garden? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
See more Garden Tours
View more Houzz Tours
Who lives here Christina and Mark Strutt
Location A hidden valley outside Bath
That’s interesting The swimming pool in the grounds is heated by a wood-burning system
Tucked away in a hidden valley outside Bath, this beautiful house and garden belong to Christina and Mark Strutt. The location is idyllic and Christina admits they spend ‘the whole summer outside’.