The brief for this long, narrow and sloping block left little room for a conventional garden.

The owners required two large garages, one at each entrance, to suit the property’s dual access.

With easy indoor-outdoor living as the priority, the former driveway running along the side of the house was transformed into the location for a new swimming pool.

The pool was constructed level with the ground floor of the house, with a deck extending directly from the French doors to create an effortless space for outdoor dining and relaxation.

As the covered deck occupied most of the available area, only a narrow strip remained along the outer wall for planting.

This area was filled with massed white agapanthus and frangipanis, while potted palms were positioned around the deck to soften the space.

At the rear of the house, the small outdoor area was levelled and framed with masonry garden walls capped in sandstone.

The gardens were planted with agaves, star jasmine, pandorea and frangipanis.

A cubbyhouse for the grandchildren was tucked between two deciduous golden robinias, while wide sandstone steps were added at the rear to connect the garden with the surrounding National Park.

In the front garden, a mature gordonia and two eucalypts were retained, while the remaining planting was removed to make way for the new entrance.

Sandstone paths, stairs and walls were constructed, with jacarandas and camellias planted on either side of the stairs.

Star jasmine was used as a fragrant groundcover to complete the entry garden.