EDITOR’S LETTER
Editor Beth Murton has been a homes journalist and editor for over 20 years and has renovated two homes. She is currently planning her next project
Outdoor spaces typically get pushed down the list of priorities during a self-build or extension project and it’s only when you come to the end of the building work and look out through your expanse of new glazing that you might regret not making it more of a priority. Lawns can get trashed beyond repair and become a muddy mess thanks to months of being used as a storage spot for building materials, while a longedfor new patio could now be on the backburner due to overspending elsewhere on the build.
In our guide to working with a landscape designer, on page 86, gardening experts explain why it’s never too early to start thinking about your garden plans — even if you aren’t intending to do all of the work immediately. Designing your outdoor space at the same time as your new home or extension can certainly pay dividends, not just in terms of helping you budget for the work, but also in planning how the indoor and outdoor spaces will work together as a whole. Homeowners Stephen and Helen Surtees took this approach when creating their new-build home (page 38), carefully considering the sightlines from the entrance of their home out into the garden, where they’ve created a series of entertaining spaces.
To help you get your budget in place, our in-depth guide to patio costs (page 100) will help you plan your new outdoor seating area, while there’s also inspiration on adding a loggia or veranda to maximise your use of the space, whatever the weather (page 92).
If you want to have expert advice delivered direct to your door every month, don’t miss our subscription oer on page 70. What’s more, when you subscribe you’ll now automatically receive digital access to more than 70 previous issues, meaning you can get all the self-build and renovation advice you need — wherever you are.