Niki Peach, Author at Shire Scapes

Formosa, The Floating House, Buckinghamshire

Grand Designs Featured Project

Originally featured on Grand Designs in 2014/2015, this remarkable property provided the setting for a particularly challenging and rewarding landscaping project. Shire Scapes was contracted to update and rework the original landscaping, bringing a fresh finish to the outside spaces while respecting the character of the original Grand Designs project.

The existing decking throughout was removed and replaced with porcelain pathways, creating a cleaner and more contemporary finish around the property. A new raised composite deck was constructed to provide a generous seating and entertaining area, finished with a glass balustrade to retain the views and open feel of the setting.

The front entrance was also completely reimagined, creating a much stronger arrival and improving the connection between the house and its surrounding landscape.

What really sets this project apart, however, was the challenge of its location. With extremely restricted access, the landscaping had to be completed by hand, with materials brought in over the lock. This required considerable planning, hard work and craftsmanship from the team.

The result is a striking update to an already unique 'floating property, with the new landscaping providing a practical, contemporary finish worthy of its exceptional setting.

Pangbourne Paradise, Berkshire

This garden in Pangbourne was designed by Helen Parsons and brought to life by the Shirescapes team.

The project included a high-end Millboard deck built over multiple levels, alongside porcelain paving throughout the garden. Clay pavers were incorporated into the paving and also used to edge pathways and planting areas, adding warmth and definition to the overall design.

With a number of established trees within the garden, much of the work around the planting areas was carried out using a ‘no dig’ approach to minimise disturbance to the existing root systems.

The finished garden was furnished with stylish outdoor furniture, creating comfortable areas to sit, relax and enjoy the garden.

Oxfordshire Family Garden

Award-Winning Garden – APL Awards 2026

Designed by Chloe Wood Garden Design, this garden was completely transformed to create a generous and beautifully finished space for family life and entertaining.

New riven random Yorkstone paving is complemented by clay pavers running throughout the garden, bringing warmth, character and detail to the hard landscaping. Original dry stone walling was carefully reclaimed from the site and reused alongside new natural Cotswold stone, helping the new garden feel established and sympathetic to its surroundings.

Extensive groundworks were undertaken to reshape the existing levels and create the large formal lawn, providing a strong centrepiece to the garden. Mass planting and carefully positioned new trees soften the landscaping and bring structure, colour and interest throughout the space.

The finished garden is a fantastic place for the family to relax, entertain and enjoy together — combining traditional materials with beautiful planting and exceptional craftsmanship.

The project went on to win Best in Category at the prestigious APL Awards 2026, a fantastic recognition of the design, landscaping and attention to detail throughout.

Timeless, Bampton

A Timeless Garden with Character

Designed by Rosie Black Garden Design, this new-build garden was reimagined to give it the character and sense of maturity that the original space lacked. The aim was to create a timeless garden that felt established, as though it had been part of the property for many years.

Fossil Mint sandstone paving was laid throughout, providing a warm, natural finish and helping to tie the different areas of the garden together. A custom-built oak pergola adds height and structure, while a bespoke oak planter provides a dedicated space for growing cut flowers.

A water feature brings another dimension to the garden, creating a peaceful focal point amongst the planting. Generous mass planting was used throughout to soften the hard landscaping and give the garden the lush, established feel that was central to the design.

The result is a welcoming and characterful garden that feels completely at home with the property — a transformation from a blank new-build plot into a garden that feels as though it has always been there.