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Felsted Garden Retreat: A Multifunctional Outdoor Haven

A Practical and Stylish Garden Design in Felsted, Essex, Blending Entertainment Zones with Low-Maintenance Elegance
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The Felsted Garden Retreat transforms an impractical sloping garden in Felsted, Essex, into a multifunctional haven for avid hosts and sun enthusiasts. Rose Hill Luxury Gardens crafted this luxury garden design, creating a flat, functional space that flows beautifully and enhances outdoor enjoyment.

Featuring bistro and sun lounger zones, a bespoke outbuilding gym, screening trees for privacy, lounge seating under a louvered pergola, Mediterranean planting with Cotswold gravel, and a custom floating bench, this garden offers a perfect blend of relaxation, fitness, and entertainment.

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Key Features of the Felsted Garden Retreat

Bistro & Sun Lounger Zone

Bistro & Sun Lounger Zone

An elevated bistro nook perfect for savoring your morning coffee, paired with a sun lounger area for ultimate relaxation.

Bespoke Outbuilding Gym

Bespoke Outbuilding Gym

A custom outbuilding that serves as a home gym, allowing the clients to maintain their health and fitness in a dedicated space.

Screening Trees for Privacy

Screening Trees for Privacy

Structural evergreen screening trees offer an appealing visual element while providing essential privacy from neighbors.

Lounge Seating Under Pergola

Lounge Seating Under Pergola

An ideal evening retreat for unwinding with a glass of wine, featuring a louvered pergola that offers adjustable shade and rain protection.

Mediterranean Planting Scheme

Mediterranean Planting Scheme

Paired with decorative Cotswold gravel, this scheme adds warmth and visual interest, creating a low-maintenance yet vibrant atmosphere.

Custom Floating Bench

Custom Floating Bench

A natural timber floating bench crafted as a striking focal point and perfect spot to enjoy the garden.

Feature Lighting on Wood Panel Wall

Feature Lighting on Wood Panel Wall

Featured lighting in the pergola allows enjoyment of the outdoor space late into the long warm evenings over the summer.

Low Retained Wall With Lighting

Low Retained Wall With Lighting

A sleeper retaining wall with low level lighting practically absorbs the gradient of the garden with style.

Thoughtful Garden Zoning

Thoughtful Garden Zoning

Making the best use of the gardens aspect, the zoned garden areas will retain functionality as the garden matures.

The Felsted Garden Retreat Journey

The Brief

Our clients in Felsted, Essex, were initially faced with an impractical sloping garden that offered minimal patio space for entertaining. As avid hosts and sun enthusiasts, they desired a garden transformation that would provide a flat, functional area to enjoy their outdoor space, making it beautiful and cohesive. The vision included multiple entertaining zones that follow the sun throughout the day, a dedicated garden gym, and a large lawn for games, all while incorporating contrasting materials and Mediterranean-inspired planting for allure and versatility.

The Solution

To fulfill our clients’ brief, we began by carefully protecting the existing driveway and using a laser level to accurately form two distinct levels before excavation. Natural sleepers were installed to define the levels, with steps leading to the expansive, now-flat lawn area, stepping up to generous patio spaces ideal for entertaining. To enhance visual interest, we incorporated a mix of Millboard decking and earthy-toned porcelain tiles; these areas are enveloped by thoughtful planting and contemporary slatted screens to create a cosy atmosphere while discreetly housing the lawn mower behind the stunning outbuilding.

The Challenges

The primary challenge was managing the steep slope, requiring precise excavation and levelling without damaging the existing driveway or surrounding structures. Balancing multiple functional zones, such as the gym outbuilding, entertaining patios, and large lawn within a limited space demanded careful planning to ensure seamless flow. Integrating privacy elements like screening trees and slatted screens without overwhelming the design was crucial, as was selecting low-maintenance materials that aligned with the clients’ busy lifestyle while achieving a high-end, cohesive aesthetic

The Outcome

The Felsted Garden Retreat is now a captivating, multi-levelled outdoor space that exceeds the clients’ expectations. The family enjoys the versatile entertaining zones for lounging and dining, the dedicated gym for fitness, and the large lawn for games, all enhanced by contrasting materials and Mediterranean planting. This transformation highlights Rose Hill’s expertise in turning challenging terrains into functional, beautiful retreats in Felsted and across Essex, providing a serene haven for relaxation and hosting.

Mike and Jo Coldicott

Can’t say enough positive things about Rose Hill. Great design developed by Tommy who listened to our requirements and delivered a design that was creative meeting our brief and budget. It was then expertly executed by the Rose Hill team (Shane, Dave, Dan) who refreshingly take exceptional pride in their work. The attention to detail and quality of finishing was exactly what we were looking for and I would highly recommend them to anyone.

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Begin Your Luxury Garden Journey

Begin Your Luxury Garden Journey
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Step 1
Book your complimentary consultation with Tommy – a relaxed chat to explore your ideas and give you a feel for our design process.
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Step 2
Sit back and relax while we design your dream garden and create a comprehensive plan just for you
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Step 3
We’ll present the garden we’ve designed for you and chat through the exciting next step… the build!
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Cheers to an amazing summer! 🥂

What a summer it’s been… We hope you’ve all survived the heat! We have to say, it’s rather nice to finally see a little green returning to the lawns!

It’s been a busy few months here at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens. Rea has spent much of the summer making some wonderful memories with the children during their school holidays, but with September here, it’s very much back to business and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.

Rea is currently designing our 2027 RHS Chelsea Flower Show trade garden for our longstanding clients @rhinogreenhouses, and we are incredibly excited about where this one is heading. We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but we think it’s going to be a trade garden to remember… watch this space.

And that’s not all for Chelsea…

Rea has also been quietly working away behind the scenes on another very exciting Chelsea Flower Show project. We can’t reveal too much just yet, but hopefully it won’t be long before we can share more.

Meanwhile, Tommy has been busy managing the teams across our current projects in Dunmow, Chigwell and Chelmsford, with plenty of construction happening and some beautiful gardens beginning to take shape.

We’ve also got a number of new design consultations booked in over the coming weeks, so it really is all go!

We say it every year, but autumn really is one of the best times to start redesigning your garden. Having the build take place through the cooler months, when you’re naturally using the garden less, is far more practical and means everything can be beautifully designed, built and planted ready to enjoy when spring arrives.

We still have availability to take on a couple more design & build projects this year, so if you’ve been thinking about transforming your outdoor space, now is the perfect time to get the process started.

We’d love to help you create your dream garden.

#RoseHillLuxuryGardens #GardenDesign #LuxuryGardenDesign #EssexLandscaping #ChelseaFlowerShow

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Cheers to an amazing summer! 🥂 What a summer it’s been… We hope you’ve all survived the heat! We have to say, it’s rather nice to finally see a little green returning to the lawns! It’s been a busy few months here at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens. Rea has spent much of the summer making some wonderful memories with the children during their school holidays, but with September here, it’s very much back to business and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Rea is currently designing our 2027 RHS Chelsea Flower Show trade garden for our longstanding clients @rhinogreenhouses, and we are incredibly excited about where this one is heading. We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but we think it’s going to be a trade garden to remember… watch this space. And that’s not all for Chelsea… Rea has also been quietly working away behind the scenes on another very exciting Chelsea Flower Show project. We can’t reveal too much just yet, but hopefully it won’t be long before we can share more. Meanwhile, Tommy has been busy managing the teams across our current projects in Dunmow, Chigwell and Chelmsford, with plenty of construction happening and some beautiful gardens beginning to take shape. We’ve also got a number of new design consultations booked in over the coming weeks, so it really is all go! We say it every year, but autumn really is one of the best times to start redesigning your garden. Having the build take place through the cooler months, when you’re naturally using the garden less, is far more practical and means everything can be beautifully designed, built and planted ready to enjoy when spring arrives. We still have availability to take on a couple more design & build projects this year, so if you’ve been thinking about transforming your outdoor space, now is the perfect time to get the process started. We’d love to help you create your dream garden. #RoseHillLuxuryGardens #GardenDesign #LuxuryGardenDesign #EssexLandscaping #ChelseaFlowerShow

The front garden sets the tone before you even get to the door. Get it right and it changes how the whole property feels.

Our latest blog covers front garden and driveway design ideas for Essex homes: surfaces, planting, boundary treatment, and lighting that work together as a proper entrance, not just a place to park.

Link in bio.

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The front garden sets the tone before you even get to the door. Get it right and it changes how the whole property feels. Our latest blog covers front garden and driveway design ideas for Essex homes: surfaces, planting, boundary treatment, and lighting that work together as a proper entrance, not just a place to park. Link in bio.

What makes a garden feel truly luxurious? It`s not one thing. It`s the coherence of
every decision, from the materials underfoot to the quality of light on the terrace after dark.

Our latest blog covers luxury garden ideas and inspiration for Essex homes, including the elements we come back to on every high-specification project we design and build.

Link in bio.

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What makes a garden feel truly luxurious? It's not one thing. It's the coherence of every decision, from the materials underfoot to the quality of light on the terrace after dark. Our latest blog covers luxury garden ideas and inspiration for Essex homes, including the elements we come back to on every high-specification project we design and build. Link in bio.

Well… this was a lovely surprise! 🏆🏆

We are incredibly proud to share that Rose Hill Luxury Gardens has been named Family Business of the Year AND Most Innovative Family Business at the 2026 Essex Business Awards!

When we started Rose Hill, it was simply the two of us with an idea, a lot of ambition and a vision for creating something a little different.

Fast forward to today and we have an amazing team around us, have created gardens for some wonderful clients, worked at some of the biggest RHS garden shows in the country and somehow managed to juggle building a business alongside raising our little family!

Like any family business, there have been plenty of long days, late nights, challenges, risks and moments where work and family life completely blur into one… which makes receiving these two awards feel even more special.

We’re incredibly proud of how far Rose Hill has come, but also very aware that we couldn’t have done it without our brilliant team, our clients who trust us with their gardens, and everyone who has supported us along the way.

Family Business of the Year 2026 🏆
Most Innovative Family Business 2026 🏆

A very proud moment for us both — and another little milestone in the Rose Hill story.

Tommy & Rea x

Thank you @BusinessAwardsUK!

#BusinessAwardsUK #EssexBusinessAwards #FamilyBusiness #FamilyBusinessOfTheYear #EssexBusiness

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 18106255034587152
Well… this was a lovely surprise! 🏆🏆 We are incredibly proud to share that Rose Hill Luxury Gardens has been named Family Business of the Year AND Most Innovative Family Business at the 2026 Essex Business Awards! When we started Rose Hill, it was simply the two of us with an idea, a lot of ambition and a vision for creating something a little different. Fast forward to today and we have an amazing team around us, have created gardens for some wonderful clients, worked at some of the biggest RHS garden shows in the country and somehow managed to juggle building a business alongside raising our little family! Like any family business, there have been plenty of long days, late nights, challenges, risks and moments where work and family life completely blur into one… which makes receiving these two awards feel even more special. We’re incredibly proud of how far Rose Hill has come, but also very aware that we couldn’t have done it without our brilliant team, our clients who trust us with their gardens, and everyone who has supported us along the way. Family Business of the Year 2026 🏆 Most Innovative Family Business 2026 🏆 A very proud moment for us both — and another little milestone in the Rose Hill story. Tommy & Rea x Thank you @BusinessAwardsUK! #BusinessAwardsUK #EssexBusinessAwards #FamilyBusiness #FamilyBusinessOfTheYear #EssexBusiness

What a way to end the flower show season — with another 5 stars! 🌟

This will be our 7th show achieving the highest award, and we couldn’t be prouder. Such an incredible achievement and a true testament to all the hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into every garden we design.

Thank you to our wonderful clients @rhinogreenhouses

Now it’s time to head off to Greece to enjoy some much-needed quality time with the family and recharge the batteries. 🇬🇷☀️

#rhs
#SandringhamFlowerShow
#gardendesigner #GardenDesign #awardwinning

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What a way to end the flower show season — with another 5 stars! 🌟 This will be our 7th show achieving the highest award, and we couldn’t be prouder. Such an incredible achievement and a true testament to all the hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into every garden we design. Thank you to our wonderful clients @rhinogreenhouses Now it’s time to head off to Greece to enjoy some much-needed quality time with the family and recharge the batteries. 🇬🇷☀️ #rhs #SandringhamFlowerShow #gardendesigner #GardenDesign #awardwinning

A garden you avoid during a heatwave isn’t working hard enough for you. ☀️

Thoughtful planting, shaded pergolas and water features can create cooler, more comfortable spaces when temperatures rise—all without sacrificing beautiful design.

Link in bio.

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A garden you avoid during a heatwave isn’t working hard enough for you. ☀️ Thoughtful planting, shaded pergolas and water features can create cooler, more comfortable spaces when temperatures rise—all without sacrificing beautiful design. Link in bio.

Rural gardens ask different questions. 🌿 How far does the formality extend from the house? Where does the managed garden give way to something wilder? How do you choose materials that sit naturally in a country setting?

Our latest blog covers rural and country garden design in Essex — the approach we take on larger plots where space, setting, and landscape all play a role. 🌾

Link in bio.

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Rural gardens ask different questions. 🌿 How far does the formality extend from the house? Where does the managed garden give way to something wilder? How do you choose materials that sit naturally in a country setting? Our latest blog covers rural and country garden design in Essex — the approach we take on larger plots where space, setting, and landscape all play a role. 🌾 Link in bio.

🌿 NATIONAL POLLINATORS WEEK GIVEAWAY 🌿

In celebration of National Pollinators Week (22nd–28th June), we`re giving one lucky winner the chance to receive a Bespoke Pollinator Plant Collection, professionally selected by the team at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens.

Designed to bring colour, movement and wildlife into your garden, an example of the collection could include:

✨ Lavender
✨ Verbena bonariensis
✨ Salvia
✨ Nepeta
✨ Echinacea
✨ Agastache

These beautiful plants are loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, helping to create a thriving and vibrant garden.

TO ENTER:

✔ Follow @rosehillluxurygardens
✔ Follow our Head Designer @reavictoriahill
✔ Like this post
✔ Tag your fellow plant lovers in the comments (each tag counts as an entry)

💬 We`d also love to know: Where would you use these plants in your garden?

📅 Competition closes: 29th June
🏆 Winner announced: 1st July
🇬🇧 UK entries only

Plants will be delivered where possible, or collection arranged through a local nursery.

Good luck! 🐝🌸

#NationalPollinatorsWeek #Giveaway #PollinatorGarden #BeeFriendlyGarden #WildlifeGarden

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🌿 NATIONAL POLLINATORS WEEK GIVEAWAY 🌿 In celebration of National Pollinators Week (22nd–28th June), we're giving one lucky winner the chance to receive a Bespoke Pollinator Plant Collection, professionally selected by the team at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens. Designed to bring colour, movement and wildlife into your garden, an example of the collection could include: ✨ Lavender ✨ Verbena bonariensis ✨ Salvia ✨ Nepeta ✨ Echinacea ✨ Agastache These beautiful plants are loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, helping to create a thriving and vibrant garden. TO ENTER: ✔ Follow @rosehillluxurygardens ✔ Follow our Head Designer @reavictoriahill ✔ Like this post ✔ Tag your fellow plant lovers in the comments (each tag counts as an entry) 💬 We'd also love to know: Where would you use these plants in your garden? 📅 Competition closes: 29th June 🏆 Winner announced: 1st July 🇬🇧 UK entries only Plants will be delivered where possible, or collection arranged through a local nursery. Good luck! 🐝🌸 #NationalPollinatorsWeek #Giveaway #PollinatorGarden #BeeFriendlyGarden #WildlifeGarden

The most successful gardens don`t just look beautiful—they support the wildlife that makes them thrive.

A well-designed garden should do more than create visual impact. By carefully selecting plants that provide nectar, pollen and habitat, we can create outdoor spaces that are alive with bees, butterflies and other important pollinators throughout the seasons.

In many of our garden projects, we incorporate pollinator-friendly planting that combines beauty with biodiversity. Some of our favourites include:

Lavender – a magnet for bees and a timeless garden favourite
Salvia – long-flowering and rich in nectar
Verbena – loved by butterflies and adds movement through borders
Nepeta – soft, flowing colour that pollinators can`t resist
Echinacea – architectural blooms that attract a variety of beneficial insects

The result is a garden that not only looks stunning but actively supports local wildlife and contributes to a healthier ecosystem.

As we approach National Pollinator Week, it`s a reminder that even small planting choices can make a significant difference.

Which pollinator-friendly plants have been the biggest success in your garden?

#NationalPollinatorWeek #PollinatorFriendly #GardenDesign #PlantingDesign #Biodiversity

3 0
Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 18076085591661937
The most successful gardens don't just look beautiful—they support the wildlife that makes them thrive. A well-designed garden should do more than create visual impact. By carefully selecting plants that provide nectar, pollen and habitat, we can create outdoor spaces that are alive with bees, butterflies and other important pollinators throughout the seasons. In many of our garden projects, we incorporate pollinator-friendly planting that combines beauty with biodiversity. Some of our favourites include: Lavender – a magnet for bees and a timeless garden favourite Salvia – long-flowering and rich in nectar Verbena – loved by butterflies and adds movement through borders Nepeta – soft, flowing colour that pollinators can't resist Echinacea – architectural blooms that attract a variety of beneficial insects The result is a garden that not only looks stunning but actively supports local wildlife and contributes to a healthier ecosystem. As we approach National Pollinator Week, it's a reminder that even small planting choices can make a significant difference. Which pollinator-friendly plants have been the biggest success in your garden? #NationalPollinatorWeek #PollinatorFriendly #GardenDesign #PlantingDesign #Biodiversity

The best outdoor kitchens are designed into the garden, not dropped into a corner of it.

Where it sits, how it meets the patio, the light it gets in the evening: these are the decisions that make a kitchen you actually use. Our latest journal entry explains how we plan them.

Read it via the link in bio.

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Open post by rosehillluxurygardens with ID 17928702786345320
The best outdoor kitchens are designed into the garden, not dropped into a corner of it. Where it sits, how it meets the patio, the light it gets in the evening: these are the decisions that make a kitchen you actually use. Our latest journal entry explains how we plan them. Read it via the link in bio.
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