When the new owners of this New Forest property moved in, they knew their garden needed serious attention. What they inherited was a cramped patio with poor-quality concrete slabs, a makeshift path made of Celotex (yes, really!), and an overall space that felt neglected and impractical. Their vision? A stylish, low-maintenance outdoor area they could enjoy every single day—rain or shine.
Enter Quality Paving New Forest, the landscaping experts tasked with turning this unloved garden into a seamless extension of the home. And of course, they turned to us at Forest Stone to supply the premium materials that would bring this transformation to life.
The Before: A Garden in Need of Love
Before the renovation, the garden was a mix of awkward spaces and outdated features:
- A small, walled-off patio that felt cramped and unwelcoming.
- A makeshift path constructed from Celotex (a foam insulation board—not exactly designed for foot traffic!).
- Overgrown planting areas and borders that made the space feel cluttered rather than curated.
As Dale from Quality Paving New Forest put it:
“It was quite messy—very old-fashioned. The goal was to tidy it up and make the house a home.”
The Transformation: A Patio Built for Living
The homeowners wanted a space that was functional, durable, and full of character—somewhere they could entertain, relax, and watch their grandchildren play. Here’s how we made it happen:
1. Expanding the Patio for Better Flow
The original patio was far too small, so the team extended it by 1.5 metres, opening up the space and removing the enclosing wall. This created a much more inviting area for outdoor dining and lounging.
2. Choosing Premium Materials for Longevity
The clients visited Forest Stone to handpick their materials, settling on:
- Exbury Heritage Tumbled Italian Porcelain – A premium tile with a warm, natural aesthetic that complements the home’s brickwork.
- Lymington Beige Limestone Setts – Used for edging and laid in a herringbone pattern to create a stunning curved pathway leading to the garden room.
- Flowpoint Fine Natural Grout – A seamless, durable finish that ties everything together beautifully.
As Craig from Forest Stone noted:
“The brownish-grey of the Exbury tile, paired with the peachy-beige limestone, works perfectly with the house’s brickwork. And the Flowpoint grout just makes it all look seamless.”
3. Clever Design Touches for Extra Character
Rather than sticking to a rigid design plan, Dale and the team worked flexibly with the homeowners to incorporate unique details that elevate the space:
- A Curved Herringbone Path – Originally planned as a straight walkway, the path was redesigned as a gentle curve to fit the garden’s natural flow.
- Bullnosed Steps & Mitered Corners – These subtle refinements soften edges for safety (great for young grandchildren!) while adding a touch of craftsmanship.
- A Built-In Bar Area – A surprise addition that created a cosy nook for outdoor entertaining. (“The bar’s not in full flow yet,” Dale joked, “but I’m sure it will be by summer!”)
4. Preserving the Garden’s Natural Charm
The clients were keen to keep their old apple tree, which adds a lovely organic touch to the space. Though it was bare when we filmed in early March, it’s sure to blossom beautifully in the coming months.
The Result: A Garden Made for Memories
Four weeks after breaking ground (despite some typical British winter weather!), the garden was completely transformed. Now, instead of a cramped, impractical space, the homeowners have:
✔ A spacious patio perfect for dining and relaxing.
✔ A stunning herringbone pathway leading to their garden room.
✔ Durable, low-maintenance materials that will last for years.
✔ Thoughtful design details that make the space feel special.
As Dale said:
“They’re going to have a whole year now to enjoy this. What more could you want?”
And Craig agreed:
“It’s those little details—the herringbone sets, the curved path, the bullnosed steps—that take a garden from ‘ordinary’ to something really special.”
Final Thoughts: Why Quality Materials Matter
This project wasn’t just about making the garden look good—it was about creating a space built to last. By choosing premium materials and working with skilled landscapers, the homeowners now have an outdoor area that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Whether you’re dreaming of a complete garden overhaul or just want to upgrade your patio, the right materials (and the right team!) make all the difference.
Thinking about your own garden transformation? We’d love to help you find the perfect materials. Drop us a message or visit Forest Stone to explore our premium range.
📸 Follow Our Journey!
Want to see more stunning transformations? Follow us on Instagram @ForestStone and @QualityPavingNewForest for inspiration.
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