Terrace Gardens in Nunhead transform steep or awkward plots into usable outdoor rooms. We design and build retaining walls, steps, planting tiers and lighting that suit SE15 period homes. Expect tidy workmanship, smart drainage and a finish that feels established from day one.
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Many gardens around Nunhead Green and Telegraph Hill Park sit on changing levels, where a flat lawn simply doesn’t work. Our terrace garden builds turn slopes into practical zones for dining, planting and play without losing character. We combine structure and soft landscaping so each level feels connected, not chopped up. The result is a garden that looks intentional and is easier to maintain year-round.
Nunhead’s Victorian terraces, Edwardian houses and period cottages often have narrow side access and long rear gardens that benefit from careful level changes. We regularly work across SE15, including nearby Peckham and East Dulwich, creating terraces that respect original brickwork and boundary lines. Whether you want a formal stepped layout or a softer, planted hillside, we tailor the design to your home’s proportions. Materials and planting are chosen to suit light, aspect and how you actually use the space.
We start with a site survey, levels check and a clear concept plan, then confirm build details such as wall heights, drainage runs and step positions. Every project is managed by an experienced team with clean, safe working practices and considerate neighbour communication. You’ll receive a written scope, staged programme and practical aftercare advice for planting and irrigation. Homeowners choose us because we’re consistent, transparent, and we deliver the finish we promise.
In the terrace gardens Nunhead area, we often encounter sloping plots, mature tree roots and mixed ground conditions that affect foundations and drainage. Access can be tight on Victorian terraces, so we plan deliveries, waste removal and working hours carefully. We also factor in Southwark requirements where relevant, especially for boundary walls, drainage connections and works near shared fences. Our designs suit period proportions while improving day-to-day usability.
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Costs vary with levels, wall heights, access and finishes. As a guide, smaller terrace garden upgrades with steps, drainage and planting often start around £8,000–£15,000. Mid-size builds with multiple retaining walls, lighting and seating areas commonly fall between £15,000–£35,000. Larger, highly engineered schemes with water features, premium stone and irrigation can be £35,000–£70,000+. We provide a detailed, itemised quotation after a site visit.
Most terrace garden builds take 2–6 weeks on site, depending on the number of levels and the amount of groundwork. A compact scheme with one retaining wall and a short flight of steps may be completed in 10–15 working days. More complex projects with drainage runs, lighting, seating and water features can take 6–10 weeks. Weather, access through the house, and curing times for concrete and mortar can affect the programme.
Many garden landscaping works are permitted development, including planting, patios and some low walls. However, planning permission may be needed for higher retaining walls, significant changes to ground levels, structures close to boundaries, or if your property is listed. There can also be rules around drainage and discharging water. We’ll flag likely requirements early, check constraints, and can liaise with the London Borough of Southwark where necessary before work begins.
We provide a 10-year warranty on our workmanship for structural elements such as retaining walls, steps, paving installation and built seating, provided the garden is used and maintained normally. This covers defects caused by installation issues, not accidental damage or third-party alterations. Manufacturer warranties apply separately for items like lighting transformers, pumps and irrigation components. We also offer a practical handover and aftercare guidance to keep everything performing as intended.
We design terraces to match your home and budget, from brick retaining walls that complement period properties to natural stone, porcelain paving and timber or composite decking. Steps can be stone, brick, or sleeper-style where appropriate, with handrails if needed. Seating areas can be built-in benches, raised planters or pergola zones, and water features range from rills to compact fountains. We help you choose finishes based on durability, maintenance, slip resistance and the look you want.
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