Victorian front garden transformation – Long Ditton
1. Garden clearance
2. Removal of rubble
3. Install Victorian tiled doorstep and new path
4. Installation of sleeper bed with shrub border and easy-to-maintain driveway
Objective
To modernise the front garden of a Victorian house in Long Ditton, transforming it into an easy-to-maintain driveway while preserving the classic architectural charm.
Initial conditions
This Long Ditton front garden had become disconnected from the character of the property it served. A narrow, uneven path and loosely defined borders made the entrance feel uninviting, with little sense of proportion or cohesion. Hard landscaping dominated while planting lacked structure and seasonal interest, leaving the space looking tired and under-used despite its Victorian setting.
Client brief
The homeowners wanted to refresh the front garden to create a smarter, more welcoming approach to the house. A wider tiled path leading clearly to the front door was essential, along with planting that would frame the route and provide year-round interest without high maintenance. The design needed to respect the proportions and period style of the property while improving both practicality and kerb appeal.
Key features
- Removal of existing features, including the wall and patio
- Installation of a contemporary driveway surface using London Stone antique limestone
- Incorporation of low-maintenance elements, such as wooden sleepers and subtle planting
The process
Design approach
The emphasis was on balance and framing. The original path was replaced with a wider, patterned tiled route that echoed the proportions of the façade and created a clearer sense of arrival from the pavement. Defined planting beds were introduced on either side, combining evergreen structure with seasonal highlights so the garden would feel lively and welcoming throughout the year.
Planting was selected for scale, resilience and texture, blending architectural shrubs with softer perennials and ornamental grasses suited to local conditions. The intention was to enhance the entrance experience without overwhelming the modest front plot, allowing greenery to soften the hard lines of the path and boundary.
Construction details
The old path and uneven surfacing were removed and the ground re-prepared with a compacted base to support a durable tiled finish. The new route was laid with clean, consistent joints to ensure stability and a crisp visual line from the gate to the front door. Planting beds were edged neatly and improved with quality topsoil to encourage healthy establishment and reduce ongoing maintenance.
Results
Outcome
The completed front garden now provides a confident and welcoming approach to the home. The wider tiled path offers a clear, elegant entrance, while the planting on both sides introduces depth, texture and year-round interest without demanding intensive upkeep. What was once a modest and undefined frontage has become a cohesive, attractive Long Ditton garden that complements the Victorian property and enhances its street presence.
Client feedback
The client was delighted with the transformation, praising the blend of modern interpretation with Victorian style and the practicality of the low-maintenance features:
“Craig and his team are incredible. They transformed our front garden into our perfect driveway where we were able to keep the garden feel that we loved alongside creating a functional drive. The team are professional, so hard working, polite and incredibly considerate. They had a pretty big job on their hands which they completed in the timeframe they’d originally estimated and to an incredibly high standard. Highly recommend Craig and his team!