Annabelle Grundy

1 month ago | idealhome.co.uk | Annabelle Grundy |Ginevra Benedetti

For most of us, gardens are spaces that evolve over time. You may enlist the help of a garden designer or landscaper for larger jobs, or if you're particularly green-fingered, you might prefer to tackle it all yourself. But ultimately, your space will change and develop as the seasons do. Winner of Ideal Home's Best Garden 2024, this stunning garden in Surrey is a perfect example of an ever-evolving garden. It's a spacious plot, with lawns and mature trees at the front.

2 months ago | idealhome.co.uk | Annabelle Grundy |Ginevra Benedetti

When this couple moved into their 1970s architect-designed bungalow in 2009, they had a major renovation on their hands. ‘Since we moved in everything has been redone – insulation, windows, plumbing, electricity and flooring,’ explains the owner. ‘Renovating the garden was one of the last things to tackle.''Technically, there was no garden – at least not one that we could use.

Sep 26, 2024 | idealhome.co.uk | Annabelle Grundy

When Liz Willingham moved to her home over 20 years ago, the kitchen was a far cry from the light, open-plan space you see today. The existing space had a dark and narrow kitchen-diner with worn-out fittings and an impractical layout. ‘The layout had never worked,’ remembers Liz, ‘and eventually the cupboards and appliances were falling apart.

Aug 2, 2024 | idealhome.co.uk | Annabelle Grundy |Lisa Fazzani

Moving into this four-bedroom 1990s house in Berkshire, the back garden was fully-paved with ugly concrete slabs and an old pond which had been filled in for safety. It was overgrown and pretty uninviting, which meant the home owners hardly used it. ‘Revamping the garden was way down the agenda when we first moved in,’ says the home owner. 'We were busy juggling family with some ambitious renovation plans for the house.

Jun 22, 2024 | idealhome.co.uk | Annabelle Grundy |Rachel Crow

Lizzie and James Brittain moved into their rented Somerset home in 2005, expecting it to be temporary. James had changed careers, so the couple relocated, from London, with their two daughters. But they soon realised they had found their ideal home and a place to put down roots. Within a year, they bought the property from their landlord. ‘The house just worked for us,’ explains Lizzie. ‘It has a lot of character, and all of our furniture slotted in really well.