Where The Wind Blows

Tucked Away Down A Long Rough Track, Tara Culley’s Garden Combines Magnificent Views Over Hastings Country Park With Terraced Borders And A Wildflower Meadow.

Full Moon Barn is a bone-shaking, car-rattling drive along a rough track that resembles a dry river bed in places. But once you arrive, the attraction becomes clear. The house is set at the top of the steeply sloping garden, faces south and has wonderful views across a country park towards the sea.

‘I found this house on an estate agents’ website,’ says owner Tara Culley, ‘but I had no idea where it was. I decided to drive here in my old camper van to look for it and I ended up trundling up the lane into the woods, wondering if I was ever going to get out again! I knew immediately it was the place for us – a hidden gem, tucked away from it all, with sea views and the country park on the doorstep.’ Despite its windswept location, the garden was a blank canvas that was ideal for Tara to make her mark on.

Tara was better qualified than most to take on the challenge of creating the garden from scratch. A professional RHS Wisley trained gardener, she worked for private clients and then spent 10 years as a member of the team at Christopher Lloyd’s famous garden, Great Dixter, before leaving three years ago to set up her own business, designing gardens and working as a plant consultant. Her partner, David Macdonald, is a financial adviser with, as she describes, ‘a developing interest in the garden’.