France
Despite being long neglected, this property benefitted from glorious views over the bay of St. Tropez and various lovely indigenous trees, like parasol pines, mature olives and an avenue of tall cypress trees.
RSL set out to make the most of these attributes while linking each area of the landscape in a practical, aesthetically pleasing way. A new driveway was created and the cypress avenue replanted between the lawn and the swimming pool. Lawn terraces replaced the sloping garden, with the necessary retaining walls made with dressed stone.
Olive terraces were planted with swathes of lavender, tulbaghia and agapanthus to give the suggestion of a glorious cascading wave of colour. Perennials, shrubs and herbs add colour to the dry garden terrace and a Western red cedar pergola walkway was created, clambered over by bougainvillea, wisteria and jasmine and lined with terracotta urns.
The old kitchen garden became a tennis court (that doubles as a basketball court) and a traditional pétanque court was also laid. A modernist-inspired stone art wall, decorated by designer Tim Gosling, creates a focal point for the pool and landscape beyond. The overall result is a paradise high above the sea.