Transforming the front garden...

While many self builders leave the landscaping until last (when there’s often no money left) Lance and Julia had no choice but to tackle the front garden first, because access was incredibly tricky. Previously there was only a set of steep concrete steps up to the house, so it would have been very difficult to bring materials in and out. ey hauled out an old oak tree that was obscuring the view and knocked down the garage that sat next to the road, before installing a winding driveway. e drive was covered in asphalt at first, while the building work was going on, but once it was finished Lance and Julia resurfaced it with much smarter paving setts. e curving shape of the driveway may be a necessity because of the steep slope – but it’s also visually pleasing, with lush planting winding through it.