Introduction: A View Worth Preserving
Perched high above the dramatic Dorset coastline in Studland, this property commands sweeping views of the sea, Old Harry Rocks, and the golden stretch of Studland Beach. Yet, until recently, its outdoor spaces didn’t live up to the majesty of its location. A rotting timber deck—literally “a deck on a deck,” as landscaper Paul Dobson of PD Groundscapes (@pdgroundscape) describes it—cluttered the terrace, detracting from the home’s potential.
Enter Matt Evans of The Garden Room Studio (@the_garden__room__studio), who envisioned a space that matched the natural grandeur of its surroundings. His solution? Forest Stone’s Lymington Dune Limestone, a material chosen for its timeless beauty, durability, and ability to harmonize with coastal landscapes.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
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Why Lymington Dune Limestone was the ideal choice for this high-end project.
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The elegance of the herringbone feature terrace—a design detail that elevates outdoor dining.
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How premium landscaping adds tangible value to coastal properties.
Chapter 1: From Rotten Decking to Timeless Stone
The Problem: A Failing Timber Deck
The original deck was a logistical and aesthetic nightmare. “It was two layers deep,” recalls Paul Dobson, who spent days painstakingly removing the warped, weathered wood. Beyond its eyesore appearance, the deck’s deterioration posed safety risks—hardly fitting for a home with such breathtaking views.
Matt Evans knew the replacement needed to be low-maintenance, weather-resistant, and visually cohesive with the coastal environment. “Decking has its place,” says Paul, “but at ground level, stone paving is just timeless.”
The Solution: Lymington Dune Limestone
Selected for its warm, golden tones and subtle texture, Lymington Dune Limestone mirrors the natural hues of Studland’s cliffs and beaches. Its non-slip surface makes it practical for coastal conditions, while its density ensures it won’t fade or degrade like timber.
“When you’re working with a view like this, the materials need to complement—not compete—with the landscape,” says Matt Evans. “Lymington Dune does exactly that.”
Chapter 2: The Herringbone Terrace—Where Function Meets Artistry
A Design Statement
The pièce de résistance of the project is the herringbone-patterned dining terrace, crafted from Lymington Dune pavers. This intricate layout isn’t just visually striking—it defines the entertainment space and creates a sense of movement leading the eye toward the sea.
“Herringbone is a classic, but it’s not fast work,” laughs Paul. “Every cut has to be precise. But when it’s done? You forget the effort—it’s just beautiful.”
Why Herringbone Works
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Visual Interest: Breaks up monotony in large terraces.
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Structural Integrity: The interlocking pattern distributes weight evenly.
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Premium Appeal: A subtle nod to historic European gardens, elevating the property’s aesthetic.
Fun detail: During the build, Craig from Forest Stone joked that the terrace would spend its life “under a dining table.” Paul’s reply? “When someone drops spaghetti on these pavers, they’ll look down and think, ‘Wow.’”
Chapter 3: Bullnosed Steps and Seamless Transitions
To navigate the property’s slopes, Matt designed bullnosed limestone steps—a safety essential that also adds refinement. The softly rounded edges:
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Prevent tripping hazards.
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Echo the organic curves of the coastline.
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Tie together the terrace, pool area, and hot tub space.
Pro Tip: Bullnosing is a subtle detail, but it’s a hallmark of high-end landscaping. As Paul notes, “It’s the difference between ‘nice’ and ‘no-expense-spared.’”
Chapter 4: The Value of Premium Landscaping
Beyond Aesthetics: A Smart Investment
Coastal properties like this one are valuable assets, but their outdoor spaces often lag behind the interiors. This project demonstrates how thoughtful landscaping can:
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Increase Property Value: Premium materials like limestone have a 100+ year lifespan, appealing to future buyers.
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Reduce Maintenance Costs: No more annual sanding, staining, or replacing rotten boards.
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Enhance Lifestyle: A well-designed terrace extends living space, perfect for entertaining or quiet coastal mornings.
The Client’s Perspective
Though the build was technically challenging (narrow access, steep slopes, and “the world’s biggest jigsaw puzzle” of walling stone), the result is a legacy project. As Paul puts it: “This isn’t just a renovation—it’s a forever home upgrade.”
Conclusion: A Legacy in Stone
As the project nears completion, the team looks forward to sharing final photos—pool uncovered, limestone copings gleaming, and that herringbone terrace basking in the sunset. But the real triumph? Creating a space that honors its environment while standing the test of time.
“You could put cheap materials here and call it a day,” says Craig. “But with Lymington Dune? This terrace will outlive all of us—and still look exquisite.”
For homeowners inspired by this transformation, Forest Stone’s Lymington Dune Limestone is available to order here. Want to discuss a project? Contact our team or explore more case studies on our YouTube channel.
Design: @the_garden__room__studio
Build: @pdgroundscape
Products: Forest Stone’s Lymington Dune Limestone Paving & Bullnosed Steps
