Terraced and semi-detached properties can be testing when it comes to sheltering gardens from the view of neighbours, particularly in the warmer months. And with summer on the horizon, many homeowners will realise just how nosey nearby residents are as they venture outside to relax in their green space.
Growing tall plants and fitting towering fencing are both common ways to make a home more private, but they both take time to do.
Luckily, there are a few quick fixes homeowners can adopt while they wait to ensure nosey neighbours can’t see into their garden space.
Carefully position furniture
One of which is to strategically place furniture on the boundary. According to Charlie Alexander, founder of the luxury furniture brand, Oxenwood, this is perhaps the quickest way to create partitions and extra “rooms” in a green space.
And it really is as simple as rearranging a few items in the garden.
He said: “Garden furniture goes far beyond a practical level of simply providing somewhere to sit. It can also be a statement piece and an eye-catching design feature, but it also provides a partition to create a place to escape.”
Placing tables and chairs away from overlooked spots is the best way to ensure privacy while dining al fresco, but other items can work wonders for exposed fencing or central areas.
For those who struggle with neighbours peering into their garden from the second floor of the property, sheltered swing seats and large parasols are ideal for exposed points in the middle of the space.
This is particularly useful for spots that rarely catch the sun, so the umbrella can remain up all season long without reducing exposure to natural light.
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For gardens with just one overlooked boundary, facing furniture towards the side of the fence that is not easily visible to neighbours is a quick way to create small pockets of space.
By placing sofas and one-sided seating outwards, homeowners can block off parts of their garden and use plants, or even a firepit to create a new focal point for the seating – instead of simply looking at the boundary.
To complete the space, lining the small section with potted bamboo or other tall, leafy plants will add colour and an extra level of privacy from peeping toms.
And in areas close to the building or two fence posts, a canopy is a worthwhile investment to block the view looking down into the garden.
Use screening rolls
To stop neighbours from peering over a fence, screening rolls are a fast and effective remedy to instantly deter them.
A property expert at Martin & Co Estate Agent said: “As well as fencing, there are several other garden screening options that can add a touch of style to your outdoor space as well as privacy.
“Screening rolls made from bamboo, reed, or rattan make great privacy screens and can also help to disguise damaged or degrading fence panels.”
Reed screening can be purchased for as little as £12.99 on Amazon, and there are plenty of affordable alternatives available.
Add a summer house
Though it is not the cheapest option, it is the best remedy for people in terraced properties who struggle to escape the gaze and earshot of their next-door neighbours.
The Martin&Co agent explained: “By adding a summer house, or multi-functional garden building, you’ll be able to use its height to your advantage when it comes to overlooking. A summer house can be built to a height of 2.5 metres if it’s within two metres of a boundary and potentially higher if further away.
“As well as the increase in privacy from the building’s height, you’ll have an additional space to enjoy that could also add value to your property.”
Of course, it is always best to check with your local planning department before constructing a garden outbuilding to ensure planning permission isn’t required.
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