Bacton Grange, Suffolk

Bacton Grange, Suffolk

A stunning house nestled within the idyllic Suffolk farmland near Bury St Edmunds. This extraordinary property, surrounded by 25 acres of open fields, offers uninterrupted views that seamlessly blend into the arable landscape, with the majestic presence of mature Scots pine and Holm oak trees providing a natural anchor.

The transformation of Bacton Grange’s garden was born out of the need to accommodate an extension to the house, a change that shifted the focus of its use and initially disrupted the views of the picturesque landscape. The project also included the addition of a swimming pool and tennis court, both of which needed to be seamlessly integrated into the garden’s design.

To address these challenges and create a harmonious transition from the house to the surrounding farmland, Tom embarked on a transformative journey of landscape remodelling. The result is a garden that unfolds into three distinct vistas, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the architectural and design styles of the house.

Three garden vistas

The first of these vistas is a sheltered courtyard with a raised pool, a space that was previously a service area. Here, the garden blooms with the delicate beauty of bearded iris, and a meandering rill pays homage to the Moorish décor of the new extension. This area serves as a tranquil oasis, offering a respite from the world and a place to immerse oneself in the beauty of the garden.

As you move through the garden at Bacton Grange, the second vista emerges with re-profiled formal lawns that open up uninterrupted views toward the pond and the picturesque landscape beyond. This design choice not only enhances the visual appeal of the garden but also fosters a deeper connection between the house and its natural surroundings. The drawing room becomes a portal to the scenic beauty of Suffolk, inviting residents and guests to indulge in the ever-changing beauty of the countryside.

One of the garden’s most striking feature at Bacton Grange is the way the design it embraces the house, providing protection from prevailing winds while visually softening the impact of the tennis court and swimming pool. Trees have been thoughtfully placed to enhance the garden’s microclimate, creating sheltered pockets of tranquillity and adding to the garden’s ecological diversity.

In conclusion, the garden at Bacton Grange, meticulously designed by Thomas Hoblyn, is a testament to the art of transformation and harmonious integration. It is a garden that not only honours the architectural heritage of the house but also celebrates the natural beauty of the Suffolk farmland that surrounds it. The three distinct vistas, the sheltered courtyard, the re-profiled formal lawns, and the protective embrace of trees, all contribute to the garden’s allure, creating an oasis of serenity and beauty within the Suffolk landscape.