Tucked into the coastal setting of Catherine Hill Bay, this retreat was designed for a retired couple seeking both calm and versatility. The brief was to create outdoor spaces that could host quiet moments of rest as well as family gatherings, while remaining low-maintenance and resilient to the conditions.

Our design used hardy natives layered with sculptural exotics, balancing structure with softness across the site. Bluestone, corten, and sandstone boulders grounded the garden, while recycled railway sleepers added texture and permanence. Each planting choice was made to withstand the coastal climate — poor soils, salt spray, and wind — without compromising on colour or seasonal interest.

The result is a garden that feels both robust and welcoming: a place that protects the home from its exposed setting while offering intimate corners for reflection and generous spaces for connection. It is a landscape designed to endure and to quietly enrich the lives of those who live within it.