Top 10 Country Estate Garden Design Ideas

Whether you own a heritage property or want to transform a modern country estate, it can be challenging to decide how to landscape and utilise all that space. 

Here at Bluefish Landscaping, we are an award-winning bespoke landscaping company that specialises in large country estates and historic homes. With such vast amassed knowledge, we decided to share it with our readers to give you some inspiration and a starting point.  

So take a look at our top country estate garden design ideas to help you make the most of your landscape. 

Our Top 10 Garden Design Ideas for Country Estates

• Bring the kitchen outside with a herb garden

Seasoning food with herbs grown on your very own estate is a desirable aspect of country house gardens and country living in general. Mint, rosemary, basil, sage and parsley are just a few of the fresh herbs that can be grown here in the UK. With a beautiful scent and an appealing look, you can stimulate all five senses with a herb garden, enjoying its benefits both at the table and away. 

• Add a stately touch with water features 

Water has a calming effect thanks to its gentle sound and soothing presence. Water fountains and features are a superb way to create a tranquil setting that is sure to impress visitors and uphold the classical or contemporary appearance of your property. Lakes and ponds can further contribute to this sense of serenity, while also becoming a useful habitat for wildlife. 

• Enjoy the ultimate English estate with a rose garden 

When you imagine quintessential English country gardens, the picture of a rose garden is likely the first one conjured. As a hallmark of tradition and heritage, rose gardens make for a charming and sweet-smelling sanctuary in your landscape. With over 300 species of rose in existence, it’s also incredibly easy to customise your space with colour and scent. 

• Dine in style with a garden room 

Here in the UK, we can experience downpours even in the height of summer. Garden rooms allow you to relax and enjoy the great outdoors while being shielded from the elements. With so many types of garden rooms available, you can build anything from a small, simple room for morning coffee, all the way to a large living space complete with sitting areas and dining spaces. 

• Bring some drama with garden lighting 

Create mood, atmosphere and drama with garden lighting to highlight the most beautiful features of your space. Experiment with colours and lighting schemes to ensure that your garden is transformed into a stunning, usable space even once the sun sets. Lighting also has security benefits too, acting as a deterrent to would-be trespassers. 

• Create boundaries with traditional brick walling 

Due to the size of country estates, it’s often desirable to section off the landscape into specific areas using hedges or walling. Traditional brick walls are a popular option and help to create that walled garden look that is so common in the countryside. Walls are also difficult to scale on a practical level too, giving you privacy, security and beauty all in one single structure. 

• Shape your hedges into topiary sculptures 

Topiary sculptures are popular in country estates, acting as both a beautiful piece of art and a natural focal point. Whether it’s abstract shapes or topiary animals, you can let your imagination run wild. This creative freedom means that topiary sculptures are ideal for both traditional gardens and modern landscapes alike. 

• Increase biodiversity with wildflower beds 

Wildflower gardens are growing in popularity, thanks to their low maintenance and superb environmental benefits. This includes increasing local biodiversity, supporting pollinators and improving soil health. Don’t expect to be able to control texture or colour too much in a wildflower garden though, as looking a little wild and untamed is why they’re so attractive to many homeowners.

• Arrive in style with a tree-lined avenue 

Make a marvellous first impression with a tree-lined avenue leading up to your property that is sure to impress. Trees are majestic by nature and can make your driveway that extra bit special. Choose from an array of tree species such as hornbeam, lime or some ornamental fruit trees to achieve your desired look. 

• Ensure synergy by selecting a colour scheme 

A little-known aspect of estate garden design is the colour scheme. You may not be aware, but quite a few country estates choose a single colour and use it throughout the property and gardens, for doors, windows and much more. You don’t have to jump on this tradition, but it is a lovely way to add synergy and uniformity to your estate. 

Are you still unsure of how to design or landscape your country estate? Here at Bluefish Landscaping, we offer BALI-accredited expertise through concept-to-completion services for large gardens and estates. Working in partnership with one of our elite garden designers, we will conceptualise and landscape your entire estate, providing ongoing maintenance once established. Get in touch today.