The owners of this magnificent villa on the edge of the Forest de Soignes are often abroad for work. Coming home, therefore, actually feels like a family holiday. And this was our starting point when we designed the garden.

In the front garden a sea of grasses reaches up to the black-slate façade, while inside a courtyard garden whets your appetite for what the garden proper has to offer. The panoramic view of the forest beyond is downright spectacular.

The enormous oak trees, lush magnolias and large groups of evergreen shrubs blur the divide between garden and forest. Further down rhododendrons, azaleas and dogwoods offer a splash of colour. Who knew going on holiday could be this easy?

architecture: Bruno Erpicum

photography: Nick Claeskens