Spotlight: Investing in a Landscape That Elevates French Provincial Living

When it comes to French Provincial architecture, the house itself often makes the first impression. But here, the true magic lies in how the landscape elevates and completes the story. For these homeowners, the brief was about more than just beauty.

When these clients first came to us, they described a very clear vision for their outdoor spaces. With young children and a love of hosting, they wanted a garden that could perform in multiple ways at once: a safe and engaging place for play, an elegant setting for entertaining, and a calm retreat for everyday family life.

Their home’s French Provincial architecture called for a landscape that felt timeless and refined, but the brief also emphasised function. They wanted outdoor areas that looked good all year-round without becoming overly high-maintenance. Family gatherings and social events were central to their lifestyle, so the design needed to provide both formal entertaining zones and relaxed, flexible spaces. Above all, the clients wanted the garden to feel cohesive, every feature working together so the house and landscape felt like one complete home.

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A Grand Entrance

To create a sense of arrival, we designed a facade with decorative arches and an ornate door, framed by stone steps. A lantern mounted in the arch casts a soft glow at night, creating a welcoming atmosphere. This elevated entryway reflected the formality the clients wanted at the front of the house, setting a refined tone that carries throughout the property.

Front Lawn and Planting

The clients asked for a front garden that felt “neat but not rigid.” To achieve this, we combined symmetry with moments of softness. Rounded hedges run along the fence, establishing order, while groupings of three larger hedges at the centre bring depth and visual interest. Dark mulch grounds the plantings and makes the greenery stand out against the pale façade of the home.

On the lawn itself, smaller hedge trees line the house, guiding the view toward a single young tree positioned at the centre. This simple focal point ties the whole front garden together, keeping the overall look formal yet approachable.

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Classic Water Features

The family wanted subtle references to European style without overwhelming the garden. In response, we introduced water features that bring both movement and character. Two patina-blue fountains were placed in arched recesses of the wall, their weathered finish nodding to French tradition.

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At the pool, three sculptural taps were set into the wall to pour directly into the water, transforming a practical function into a design statement. Together, these touches give the garden an air of history and elegance without sacrificing modern simplicity.

Living with Greenery

One of the client’s most specific requests was to feel surrounded by greenery, even indoors. Instead of a traditional tiled splashback in the kitchen, a large window was installed to frame a vertical garden wall. Planted with herbs, foliage, and flowering plants, this wall changes with the seasons and becomes a living artwork. It ensures that the garden is not only enjoyed outside, but also part of daily life inside the home.

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Family at the Centre

From the beginning, family life was at the heart of the brief. A two-story cubby house sits proudly on the lawn, complete with a slide, climbing wall, and sandpit below. The clients needed a space that would keep their children entertained and active, while also matching the overall garden aesthetic. The structure encourages play and adventure, while being carefully positioned so it remains in view of both the pool and outdoor living area. This way, the parents can host or relax while keeping an eye on their kids.

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Relaxation and Retreat

For the pool, the request was clear: it needed to cater to both relaxation and activity. Built-in sun loungers on a raised platform allow for long afternoons in the sun, while a jacuzzi at one end of the pool creates a private retreat. White recliners along the pool edge provide further space to gather, and at night, the pool lighting reflects beautifully off the water’s blue tiles, extending the garden’s use well beyond daylight hours.

Entertaining by the Pool

The clients wanted their backyard to work just as well for quiet family dinners as for larger gatherings. A lounge setting was placed to face both the pool and cubby house, centred around a fireplace and television. This creates a versatile outdoor living room, equally suited to watching sport with friends or enjoying a fire on cooler evenings.

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The dining area features a fully equipped barbecue kitchen with sink, fridge, and island bench seating, allowing meals to easily be prepared and served outdoors with ease, keeping the flow of entertaining seamless.

Every detail of this project responds directly to the client’s brief, a refined French Provincial landscape, softened with playful touches for the children, balanced with spaces for entertaining and retreat. The result is a garden that feels both timeless and personal, where beauty and practicality are not at odds but in harmony.

This project demonstrates how considered design can transform a house into a complete home, one that supports the rhythms of family life while celebrating elegance at every turn.

If you’re ready to create a home and landscape that reflects your own lifestyle, get in touch with Carmel Homes. Our team works closely with clients to design spaces that are not only beautiful, but truly lived in.