Set on the edge of a hill beneath mature woodland and with far reaching views across rolling Oxfordshire countryside this collection of farm buildings was sympathetically restored by Charlie Luxton Design. His clients asked me to redesign the garden to create a more attractive and welcoming space – of particular concern were the overly steep steps leading to the front door and to the main terrace, and the unimaginative planting scheme. The steps are now more welcoming and easier to negotiate, and the deep planting beds are alive with colour and movement, and hum with insect life throughout the summer. I re-worked the design to introduce more intimate seating areas set within the naturalistic planting and the garden is dotted with hidden spots to sit and take in the views.