Reclaiming ruins
Turning derelict buildings into unique features
Wales is jam-packed with fascinating old buildings that, for one reason or another, have become derelict. We repair, restore and re-purpose heritage buildings, depending on how structurally sound they are. We then plant the surrounding landscape in a sympathetic way to enhance the beauty of the old materials.
Case study: From ruined barn to tranquil haven, Ceredigion
While clearing this patch of overgrown land, we discovered the remnants of an old cow shed. The walls had collapsed and were partly buried under soil and undergrowth.
When we dug down we discovered one corner of wall still intact and plenty of stone from the old collapsed structure.
We cleared the remaining walls and rebuilt new ones on the footprint of the original structure.
We used pea gravel on the floor to stop weeds and provide drainage. The derelict barn was now a beautifully sheltered seating area, full of tranquillity and the sound of bees.
The bank in front of the old shed had become overgrown with brambles and blackthorn, so we cleared this to reveal the shape of the land.
We used large stones to retain and edge the bank in front of the seating area.
We used dry stone walls to create a boundary hedgebank, and some unimproved soil from a pond excavation provided the perfect infill for planting wildflowers
We added simple steps with gravel for drainage, and planted annual and perennial wildflowers to add colour to this lovely spot.
Testimonials
The team have worked incredibly hard to make my vision reality. It’s just what I hoped it would be.
Gordon, Tresaith
Wow! Just, wow! You’ve used our favourite colours in the planting scheme, it just couldn’t be lovelier. What a transformation!
Dr Prosser, Cilgerran
A pigsty transformed into an outdoor kitchen, Ceredigion
This ruined pigsty was faithfully restored using the original layout and stone. Traditional lime mortar keeps the appearance faithful to the original. The addition of a slab floor and informal timber and metal roof makes in the perfect outdoor kitchen.
Pretty much anything! Old stone pigsties, outbuildings, even an outside toilet.
What would you like to have in your garden? We can make an outdoor kitchen, a seating area, a vegetable garden, a firepit, a fruit cage…and the advantage is that it will look as if it’s been there forever.
If you don’t have a handy old building, don’t worry – we can still create a stunning feature for your garden using reclaimed stone and timber.
You don’t usually need planning permission to re-use old, ruined buildings as garden features. It can depend on the circumstances though, so we will advise you in the unlikely situation that planning permission is needed.