Garden in farmstead style with timeless character for ‘timeless’ enjoyment

SeptimA Ebony clay pavers around shared swimming pond

This old farmstead in the Moorslede region of West Flanders has already undergone extensive renovations.
Besides the family home, there is also accommodation that will be used as a bed and breakfast. As part of the design for the garden, garden contractor Laurens Devroe was commissioned to create a natural swimming pond which was to reflect the rural and timeless character of the farmstead. At a later stage, it is also the intention for the owners to share the swimming pond with future guests staying at their bed and breakfast.

Before the start of the project, Laurens was also told to keep valuable existing elements within the garden. These included the old walnut tree standing proudly in the centre of the courtyard which became a prominent part of the design. Laurens gave it company in the form of low evergreen hedging to create year-round structure and a degree of seclusion. He used robust porphyry cobblestones to create a spacious parking area alongside. Along the other side of the central lawn, Laurens chose French dolomite with a more informal character. The central living space is bordered by dark clay pavers.

“The authentic character of the SeptimA Ebony clay paver provides a wonderful cohesion with the historic walls of the old farmstead. Besides its unique look, it is easy to use (due to its classic Waal format) which is also important for larger projects”, explains Laurens Devroe. The combination of the clay paver with the square porphyry cobblestones and the rectangular blue hard stone tiles make the ‘picture’ complete.

Alongside the house, the paving is softened by evergreen topiary shapes in various places. The highlight of this semi-enclosed courtyard is the hybrid swimming pond. The intention is for it to be inviting both for the family and their friends and for guests of the bed and breakfast to swim in. From the hardwood duckboards, a path of sawn stepping stones leads across the water to the front door. Close by, a multi-trunked golden rain tree provides a shady spot where you can cool down during the hot summer months. All the plants look very healthy and the paving in various materials has been finished with meticulous attention to detail. Now it is just a matter of waiting to officially open the doors of the bed and breakfast to guests.

Comparable case studies

SeptimA clay pavers lead the way through the garden at Westmalle Abbey

Garden architect Ludo Willems was asked to create a design for the Trappist Abbey in Westmalle for the renovation of the ‘Pandhof’ (courtyard garden), the green heart within the walls of the monastery. It is a unique project with its own micro-climate, being completely surrounded by the walls of the monastery.