The Fir Tree Bothy is a bespoke garden building inspired by traditional Scottish bothies — simple, characterful shelters designed as places of rest. Created to sit naturally within the existing garden, the structure was carefully designed and built to blend into its surroundings while also standing as a distinctive feature in its own right.

A key part of the concept was to achieve a rustic, ‘old school’ look that would soften and improve with age. Over time, as the surrounding planting matures, the bothy will settle further into the landscape and become an integral part of the garden. The addition of a sedum living roof reinforces this, helping the building merge visually with its setting while also providing practical benefits.

The green roof uses a modular system designed for minimal maintenance, requiring attention only once or twice a year. Planted with sixteen varieties of sedum, it offers a changing display of colour through the summer months while remaining evergreen throughout the year. It also acts as natural insulation, helping to retain warmth in cooler weather and reduce heat during the summer.

The structure itself is built on a base of locally sourced brick, with an Indian stone floor. The main frame and roof are constructed from treated softwood, with a relatively shallow pitch designed specifically to support the living roof. Cladding is formed from waney-edge Douglas fir, which has also been used for the fascia boards, window frames, internal shelving, window box and bird boxes. Left untreated, the Douglas fir will weather naturally over time, adding to the building’s character while benefiting from its inherent durability. All timber was locally sourced.

One of the more distinctive features is the pair of opening windows, which began life over 200 years ago in India as traditional gates. Sourced by the client from an antique emporium in Arundel, they were carefully repurposed on site to create unique glazed windows, adding history and individuality to the build.

A traditional brick path using Sandringham clay pavers surrounds the bothy, linking it to the nearby koi pool and water garden. The surrounding planting scheme includes a mix of shrubs, perennials and bulbs, along with two flowering cherry trees. Climbers such as wisteria, star jasmine, passion flower and golden jasmine have been introduced to further soften the structure and tie it into the wider garden.

As a final, lighter touch, a hand-built multi-directional signpost was added, pointing to a mix of local, global and even astronomical destinations — each carefully calculated and accurately aligned. A small detail, but one that adds a sense of personality and craftsmanship to the space.

A characterful garden building designed to sit lightly within its surroundings — evolving over time to become part of the landscape while offering a quiet place to pause and enjoy the garden.