Decked out for Summer

It's suddenly full summer here in Surrey - yesterday it was 25C (and 32C in our conservatory!). Time to make the most of our gardens and outdoor spaces. Scandinavians tend to maximise their summer more than Brits do, simply because summer up North is shorter (and dare I say it - hotter and drier). Here is a series of photos which have featured in numerous European magazines, and currently in John Lewis' 'Edition'. They feature the decked terrace garden belonging to Hanne Borge, overlooking the Oslofjord from a stunning vantage point at Jar just to the west of Oslo. Hanne has very cleverly dealt with a steep terrain by building a deck outside her house and extending it several times to accommodate the needs of her family. The bleached colour of the wood and the pale natural textiles create a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere, enhanced by tall grasses and agapanthus in zinc pots. Not to mention the open-roofed summer house, which is to die for.

Photo: Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

The view of the Oslofjord from the terrace...

 

Photo: Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

...and the terrace seen from above

 

Photo: Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

Stretching along the full length of the house and way beyond, there is plenty of room for different zones in which to relax, sunbathe and eat.

 

Photo: Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

 

Photo: Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

Meals are enjoyed in the summer house, out of the glare of the sun...

 

Photo: Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

...with a handy cooking station featuring both a barbecue and a gas cooker just outside

 

Photo: Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer/Sisters Agency

 

Hanne is co-owner of Bolina interiors shop in Oslo (http://bolina.no) , and has furnished the garden and summer house with a mix of Nordic and oriental designs.

 

My preferred article on this garden appeared in Danish magazine Bo Bedre in July 2014. Click here to read it and see all the stunning photos by Birgitte Wolfgang Drejer.