Family Design Town & Country

With a natural swimming pond, wildflower meadows and a three-room tree house, this tranquil retreat belies its London location

- Stephanie Donaldson

A growing family is often cited as the reason that city-based couples move to the countryside. Simon Tinkler and Ailsa Davies, however, have done things in reverse and created the sense of a rural idyll in southeast London. It is hard to believe that this garden, with its natural swimming pond, wildflower meadows and mature trees, is a mere five miles from the centre of the city. It is equally astonishing that it incorporates a large tree house, a trampoline, ping-pong table, football pitch, cricket space and swings without compromising the design.