Southern Green Ltd was commissioned to develop proposals from concept to implementation for this 18th century farmhouse garden in County Durham. A series of terraced garden spaces were designed to take advantage of the topography and so that the garden became an extension to the house. Adjacent to the house, a square shaped terrace has been created which acts as an outdoor dining space and includes richly planted beds. Adjacent to the central space is a sunken garden, consisting of timber sleepers and shade loving plants. The terrace is framed by box headed trees backed by a stone retaining wall and is anchored on the axis to the garden rooms beyond. The transition from the terrace is marked by stone steps and a pergola which frames the view of the formal garden. Beyond the formal garden, a wildflower meadow leads to the viewing mound and orchard. The mound provides views back over the contrasting garden spaces and also provides spectacular views across the valley.