Old Rectory, Suffolk

Location: Nr Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

This extraordinary house sits within Suffolk farmland close to Bury St Edmunds. Views across the 25 acres of fields are unhindered by houses, farm buildings and roads so they blend seamlessly into the arable fields, anchored by mature Scots pine and Holm oak.

An extension to the house shifted the focus of the use and had confused the views of the landscape. A swimming pool and tennis court were also to be added.

The landscape was remodelled into three distinct vistas, all reflecting design styles in the house. A sheltered courtyard with a raised pool, previously a service area, was planted with bearded iris, Rill linking to the Moorish décor of the new extension. Re-profiling the formal lawns allowed for interrupted views towards the pond and further afield from the drawing room. Trees nestle the house from prevailing winds and visually soften the impact of the tennis court and swimming pool.