Design
Naturally Cotswolds
The beginning of the “contained chaos.” Image courtesy of Habitually Chic, photographed by Ricardo Labougle.
It took eight years for the acclaimed novelist, Ian McEwan, and his novelist wife, Annalena McAfee, to find themselves the perfect country home. It wasn’t that finding country estates in England was hard, what was tough was finding a place that was unspoiled, not crudely restored.
Years ago, while on their search, McEwan and McAfee accidentally turned down a narrow road and spied upon a large limestone manor. Immediately, the couple who’d been married for 20 years knew this was “it”! Amazingly, the interior of the 9 acre home was in good shape and didn’t need much love.
It was the exterior that needed finessing. Architect Robert Hardwick, who worked with the previous owner, designed the property’s landscape very traditionally and geometrically. However, the new owners desired a landscape full of “contained chaos”. For example, rather than keep the two descending terraces below the house, McEwan imagined a garden that flows.
An abundant variety of flora and fauna line the garden pathway below the main terrace. Image courtesy of Habitually Chic, photographed by Ricardo Labougle.
Their friend, Mary Keen, one of the world’s top landscapers, suggested and planned two beds of flowers on the first terrace which was previously a formal area and lawn. Removing four huge trees enabled light to enter the house and provided a more casual and homey feel throughout.
Plantings were included which allowed for blooms throughout the year. Eventually, some plants were removed because of overplanting and in order to give light to some of the struggling ones. And, twenty native trees were added to the back of the property to add to the oasis that this garden was becoming.
Ian and wife Annalena on an afternoon stroll with their beloved Border Collie. Image courtesy of Habitually Chic, photographed by Ricardo Labougle.
McEwan’s favorite part is the meadow. It’s important to mention that there’s now a “movement” among private gardeners who are attempting to reintroduce wildflowers to the English countryside. Decades ago, the land was plowed for crops and then, grass was introduced. In order for the plants to “take”, the grass must be completely eradicated. The meadow is truly McEwan’s point of pride! Many afternoons, the couple takes walks with their Border collie, Rab. A prettier locale for an afternoon would be hard to imagine!
An infinity pool surrounded by tall hedges reveals panoramic views. Image courtesy of Habitually Chic, photographed by Ricardo Labougle.
McAfee’s passion project was the construction of a solar-heated infinity pool. This was made in a muddy plot of land; but you’d never know that now. Beautifully landscaped, you can view sheep on the expansive hills from one edge of the pool; yet, you can touch the flowers in the new meadow from the other side. Magnificent indeed!
McAfee’s dreamy landscape design with a picturesque location and breathtaking vistas will certainly inspire celebrated novels and essays by the extraordinary authors who now call this superb estate home.
