Kate Smith’s overgrown London plot has been transformed with CLEVER ANGLES and cosy seating areas
When Kate Smith moved into her Wandsworth home in 2018, she was very happy with the garden space. “I was actually buying a different house but when that sale fell through, I ended up living with some friends just up the road from here,” she explains. “And when this place came up for sale, I loved it.
It’s end of terrace, so the garden space is a bit larger compared to others in the area, L-shaped with a lawn.”
Substantial work was needed to turn the dilapidated Victorian terrace into Kate’s dream home though. “The rear of the house was extended to make a much bigger kitchen-diner so basically the whole of the back was removed,” she says. “Everything you can think of needed to be done, including rewiring and new windows.” Although she moved out of the property during the works, Kate still had a grandstand view. “I ended up renting in a block right next to the house, so I was getting disturbed by my own building works!” she laughs.
The renovation took a year and as it progressed, the already-overgrown garden became more of a concern. But with labour already on-site, at least decisive action could be taken. “There were two outbuildings including one running along the back boundary that was full of rats, and those were ripped down,” Kate explains. “And there was a beautiful sumach tree that I loved, but it was suckering all over the place so unfortunately it had to go.”
GARDEN PLANS
As the house remodelling started to come together, Kate had no doubt as to the next job on the list. “Because of the shape of the house at the rear, you’re always looking out over the garden. So I couldn’t just leave the outside in that state,” she says.
Neither was there any hesitation over who to call in to sort it out. “Because of the renovations, I was all over Instagram and Pinterest,” she continues. “Tony Woods of Garden Club London came up a few times
Enjoy your garden more from indoors too, p30
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