case studies
Hilltop Eyrie
Terrigal
A secret garden high above the ocean provides year-round fun for a young family
The Brief
The brief was to design a garden that would draw a young family out of the house and beyond the pool, venturing further into the steep site. Privacy from an adjacent property and pool was also a requirement.
A major house renovation and new pool construction dominated the property, leaving an empty, ambiguously sloping space in the lower third of the site.
The Solution
The site offered spectacular ocean views, even at this lower point of the property so we needed to create not just a reason to make the trek down there but a reason, preferably several reasons, to stay.
A fire pit area and a swing set were settled upon as features that would attract adults and children alike, with the swing set easily adaptable to a hammock for those lazy, breezy, seaside afternoons.
Sufficient level space for the fire pit was created by carving into the slope. The stone bench doubles as a retaining wall, allowing the garden to wrap around the fire pit area, drawing it further into the landscape. The bench is orientated to the north east to take full advantage of the view.
A timber deck is part of the swing set construction and also provides valuable extra space during larger gatherings.
Plantings were carefully selected to combine rich foliage contrast with coastal hilltop exposure whilst offering various flowering highlights and relatively low maintenance. Frangipanis, Birds of Paradise and Spear lilies share the garden amiably with European Olives, Chinese Junipers, Indian Hawthorns, Tuckeroos and succulents. Carefully arranged drift plantings and attention to form and texture create a calming, harmonious effect from this otherwise eclectic plant schedule.
Subtle low voltage LED lighting extends access after dark and automatic drip irrigation maintains the lush appearance throughout the year
Spectacular views can be had from the house and pool, therefore the attraction of a fire pit and play area amongst a lush garden provides the motivation for a young family to venture further into this wonderful property.
Client Feedback
We have had Colin designing and delivering our landscape projects for several years.
Colin creates beautiful coastal gardens, whilst his amazing landscape team bring them to life and on every occasion the garden has far exceeded our expectations.
We constantly find ourselves taking in our stunning surroundings, Colins creations have brought so much joy into our families lives.
We highly recommend Costata and his team to complete a high quality, thriving and beautiful landscaped garden.
- Amber and Mark, Wamberal.