What would you do with this garden?

SuperHung

I think the fences need updating on both sides.

Jeepers_Creepers

Lol - one of these posts where you read the OP's introduction, and then can't wait to see the sad mess of garden they are talking about.

And then - after seeing the pics - you realise that Davilown actually came on here just to show off

That, to me, is the perfect garden for a new buyer. I'd love to be greeted by that. ALL the hard work already done (phew!), and now for the fun bits - summer house of my dreams, in the style I want and in the location of my choosing.

If you were to try pre-empt this and place 'your' summer house or anything else on there that isn't of the 'right' style, 'right' size and in the 'right' location for the new buyers, they are going to be seriously p****d-off. I would be. It's like viewing a house and finding they've just carpeted expensively throughout - with the most appalling flowery pattern that you know you are going to have to rip out.

Seriously, save your money - that is a transformation from scrubland to a perfect neat canvas. Ideal.

Doozergirl

davilown said:

Weathergirl_76 said:

I like it is it is. Nice patio area which is clean. It has some nice trees, a good lawn. Someone can put their stamp on it. 

If you wanted to add something, you could add a summerhouse type building, with electricity at the end of the garden (maybe for those WFH?). Some lighting might add interest at dusk. I used to work for a landscaping company and some of the lighting was beautiful, it really added an edge to the gardens in the evening. I think it’s lovely as it is. Low maintenance, only the grass cutting to do! 

Any suggestions on the lighting? That would be great way to make it look good at night!
thanks

Light objects, do not have lights aimed at the sky.  The point of lighting is to see what is being lit, not to look at the light source.  

If you wash the patio outside of any doors you have with light, it will give the impression of increasing the sense of space inside at night.  It prevents the large expanses of glass becoming black curtains. 

Lights set into the soffits washing light over the patio will start the trick.  Anything else will add depth.  

We have an all year fabric sofa set.  I love it.  It soaks up the sun in spring and autumn, making it a more pleasant place to sit.  It's provides us with an extra seating area and is more comfy than sitting at the outdoor dining table.  It's the sort of thing that can move house with you.  A bit like this. 

https://www.beliani.co.uk/5-seater-garden-sofa-set-beige-with-black-rovigo.html?

davilown

We have an all year fabric sofa set.  I love it.  It soaks up the sun in spring and autumn, making it a more pleasant place to sit.  It's provides us with an extra seating area and is more comfy than sitting at the outdoor dining table.  It's the sort of thing that can move house with you.  A bit like this. 

https://www.beliani.co.uk/5-seater-garden-sofa-set-beige-with-black-rovigo.html?

Thanks - that looks like a nice set!

we have lights already in the soffits and some ‘natural’ lighting for the patio already but rarely have it on as we the the black expanse of the glass.

I think because you see all these garden programmes (especially when there’s little else to do during lockdown evenings!) it just seems boring.

most of the fencing is brand new except the wire stuff on the right. We left that as the bottom of neighbours garden looks lovely, and the view from trees beyond that

Indigo_and_Violet

davilown said:

I think for our benefit to start with but then potentially moving it on. I just sometimes look at it and think it’s so boring but, to be honest, cutting the grass weekly and hedges twice a year is very pleasant!

Agree with one of the posters above - if you want something a bit extra for you then some planters could add a bit of colour without being too permanent. 
Fwiw - our garden currently looks like your before picture! We've got a long road ahead of us bringing it up to par. 

n0438

I'd leave it as it's a blank canvas but add some plants in pots for colour and structure.  Also some furniture.  Both you can take with you when you sell.

davilown

Indigo_and_Violet said:

davilown said:

I think for our benefit to start with but then potentially moving it on. I just sometimes look at it and think it’s so boring but, to be honest, cutting the grass weekly and hedges twice a year is very pleasant!

Agree with one of the posters above - if you want something a bit extra for you then some planters could add a bit of colour without being too permanent. 
Fwiw - our garden currently looks like your before picture! We've got a long road ahead of us bringing it up to par. 

Thanks - All we’ve did was strim and clear the long grass etc, then cut the hedges and mowed the lawn regularly.

MovingForwards

Just leave it as it now or add a few pots for colour, you've done a great job. It's hard trying to make an established garden in a few months.

I agree with everyone saying it's a blank canvas and the new owner can put their mark on it.

Falafels

If you're looking to sell rather than for your own enjoyment, leave it as is. Any money you spend on it is unlikely to add significantly to the value, as it's already in good order and doesn't need taming.

I'm a very keen gardener and I'd bite your hand off for a garden like this; it's a blank canvas on which I could start from scratch - infinitely better than having to undo someone else's work.

GDB2222

Can I ask how much a decent home office would cost to build, and how much it would add to value? I’m thinking of a fully insulated room that you could use at all times of the year, with electricity laid on.  Assuming you don’t mind doing the work, you could possibly add a lot more value than it costs?

Of course, by the time you come to sell, WFH may no longer be in fashion.