“The place was just so depressing. There was nowhere to sit and relax, nowhere for children to play, and no flowers. When we first saw the house I really did think the garden was a dealbreaker cos it looked so gloomy and cramped. We had to put up with it for 3 years before we decided to do something. Now it is our favourite room in the house.

When it gets Warmer we get all the cushions out and lay them on the oak bench. In high summer, we love having friends around and entertaining at the back of the garden under the pergola which supports gorgeous roses and scented jasmine. It really is a garden for all seasons.”