Project details
Bartholomew Landscaping, Tom Stuart-Smith
Construction and Project Management:
Bartholomew Landscaping
Client:
Private
North London Garden
Awarded through a competitive tender process, this project was delivered in collaboration with renowned landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith.
The house, undergoing a complete refurbishment, is an exceptionally rare late 1680s Restoration property situated on one of Highgate’s most prestigious streets. The landscape design was developed by Tom Stuart-Smith Studio, with Bartholomew supporting the project through the Stage 4 technical design and detailing process, as well as taking responsibility for the overall landscape build and installation.
The Concept
The garden was conceived as a sequence of interconnected spaces arranged across two levels, creating a considered transition between the historic architecture and the contemporary landscape. A generous terrace adjoining the house leads into a richly planted upper garden characterised by drought-tolerant species and a restrained, naturalistic palette.
Pathways weave through the planting, creating a series of intimate spaces while introducing movement, softness and seasonal interest.
From the upper garden, the landscape descends to a lower level accommodating a newly installed swimming pool and an outbuilding incorporating wellness facilities. A further seating area sits beneath a bespoke galvanised steel pergola, softened by rambling roses to create a secluded setting for relaxation and shade.
The Details
Materiality was carefully considered to complement the historic character of the property. Pathways and terraces were constructed using authentic reclaimed York stone, laid in a combination of random and rectangular formats, while traditional creasing tiles were used for the risers, introducing a subtle and historically sympathetic architectural detail.
Bartholomew’s scope included the procurement and delivery of the hard landscape works, coordination and planting of all mature trees, and management of the complex logistical challenges associated with delivering a highly detailed landscape within a constrained urban setting. The planting reflects Tom Stuart-Smith’s distinctive approach to naturalism, texture and seasonal movement. Layers of planting soften the architectural framework of the garden and create an informal yet carefully composed character throughout.
The completed landscape establishes a dialogue between the heritage of the house and a contemporary, highly crafted garden, where historic materials and naturalistic planting create a setting that feels both timeless and deeply connected to the character of the property.
