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On a balmy afternoon in 2015, we first wandered through the garden that would one day become ours. The air was thick with the scent of wisteria and the leaves rustled lightly in the May breeze as I surveyed the garden (which was a bitten-off-more-than-you-can-chew type affair). It was a mixed bag. Knee high grass and thickets of thorns that would make Brambly Hedge proud. There was some good stuff too. The wisteria’s gnarly bones climbed the warm brick facade to picture frame each window, and I slipped through a curtain of vine to enter the cool, green quiet of a pergola with a round table right out of King Arthur’s fables. I had the heady sensation of being on holiday, when time stands still and instead of power walking London streets, you meander slowly, holding someone’s hand.

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The pergola, weathered and overgrown, shrouded in a mysterious green cloak. Beneath its shelter lay the forgotten echoes of outdoor gatherings from decades past. We were intrigued by its potential, though it was hard to see past the towering, overgrown conifers that pressed heavily against the space, casting deep shadows.

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Clearing those trees was the first step. With the conifers felled, sunlight poured into the space for the first time in years, revealing the bones of what could be a bright and inviting haven. The space felt lighter, more hopeful, even. But nature, as she often does, had other plans for us.

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One fierce stormy day, a towering Eucalyptus that had long loomed over the garden surrendered to the wind. It came crashing down directly onto the pergola. We awoke to a surreal scene, splintered wood and shattered vines sprawled across the garden. Miraculously, the house itself remained unscathed, but the pergola had taken a near-fatal blow. That storm accelerated our vision for the space. We could no longer postpone our plans for a transformation.

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Propping up the surviving vines with scaffolding, we set to work clearing the debris. The rubble beneath our feet was swept away, and slowly, the hidden beauty of the space began to emerge again. Loving any excuse to be outdoors, we envisioned the pergola as more than just a garden feature, it would be an extension of our living space, a place to gather, celebrate, and simply be.

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At the heart of this vision was a large central fireplace, the focal point of what we imagined as a welcoming outdoor living area. We wanted the pergola to function as two distinct “rooms”: one for dining and the other for relaxing by the fire.

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Concrete imprint flooring, chosen for its durability and ease of cleaning, created a seamless foundation and as this space is so large, it was also much more cost efficient than laying slabs which would become slippery underfoot with the falling grapes in the Autumn. 

The pergola structure itself needed thoughtful reinforcement. We replaced much of the wood that had supported the mature vines with a single central beam, complemented by strong wire to manage the weight. This approach allowed the vines to continue flourishing while giving the space a clean and airy feel and allowing more light, both for the vines, and the inhabitants below. 

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To bring warmth and charm to the area, we added expansive, window-like mirrors that reflected both firelight and greenery, enhancing the sense of space. Our artisan carpenter and trusty friend Doug then encased the mirrors in ancient oak to allow them to settle into the natural surroundings. Festoon lights were strung overhead, their gentle glow inviting us to linger well after the sun dipped below the horizon. For those chillier evenings, we designed custom side panels that could be fitted to enclose the pergola, transforming it into a cozy, tent-like retreat, as well as custom made doors for the fireplace. This allows the fire to more effectively draw, as well as directing the heat, one side or the other, depending where we are sitting. 

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It was under this transformed pergola that we hosted my 40th birthday celebration. Fifty friends gathered beneath the sheltering vines, warmed by the crackling fire and the glow of festoon lights. In mid-October, no less, the space held us snug and joyful as laughter echoed through the garden until the wee hours. I believe the last man standing was abed by 4am. 

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What began as a wild, forgotten structure has become the heart of our garden, a place where seasons change but the warmth of togetherness outdoors remains constant. (Even if we are in coats, hats and gloves).

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The final touch to complete this enchanting outdoor space was finding the perfect furniture, a search that spanned nearly a decade. I had scoured countless collections over the years, but most were based in the USA, and reviews often suggested that quality wouldn’t stand the test of time. Nothing seemed quite right until my dear friend, interior designer Ambrice, unveiled her latest masterpiece: the Toscana Collection by Relic Interiors. 

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Ambrice and I met many years ago and immediately clicked over our love of antiques and interior design. I have been so truly inspired by her. Endlessly curious, and wildly intelligent. Whether managing multiple demanding jobs, parenting her beloved little boy, or championing small businesses, she brings tireless energy and commitment to everything she does. She's the woman who reaches out a hand, always ready to share her knowledge, support, and boundless kindness, so I am very happy to do the same here by championing her small business. 

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Inspired by classical pieces with sleek lines and timeless shapes, the Toscana Collection offers oversized outdoor loungers, sofas, and daybeds crafted from solid steel with a powder-coated finish to prevent rusting. These elegant designs blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, making the garden as luxurious as any interior space, fit for a layout straight from the pages of Architectural Digest.

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Ambrice’s thoughtful designs were the perfect solution for our outdoor living needs. Her pieces can be shipped internationally, with stock available in both the UK and the USA and a lead time of just four weeks. I’ve even secured a second set of cushion covers in cheerful red and white stripes, which will be ready before spring. If you’re dreaming of elevating your outdoor spaces, you can use my code “MyMulberryHouse” for 10% off until the end of February 2025 and 5% thereafter.

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As the weather warms, we can’t wait to sink into those beautiful, oversized loungers, glass of something sparkling in hand, surrounded by friends and family. Our pergola has become the heart of our garden, a testament to resilience, creativity, and the joy of crafting a space where life’s most cherished moments can unfold.

Leah x

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