Carole Middleton Chooses Living Architecture over Fences
Carole Middleton Chooses Living Architecture over Fences
https://www.homesandgardens.com/celebrity-style/carole-middleton-privacy-planting
Publish Date: 2026-06-01 21:00:00
Source Domain: www.homesandgardens.com
Look closely at Carole Middleton’s West Berkshire estate, Bucklebury Manor, and you’ll notice a distinct absence of harsh modern hardscaping. The 18-acre property, situated in England’s South East, includes the classic symmetry of the Georgian manor house (with its multi-paned windows and classic slate roof), but its garden – or more specifically, its privacy planting – is the stand-out feature.
Circling the stone courtyard and gravel pathways are neatly manicured boxwood spheres and low, structured hedging – both of which are synonymous with English design, and among the best plants for privacy far beyond the British countryside.
Instead of isolating the house behind traditional walls or fencing, these living architectural elements create distinct outdoor ‘rooms’ and provide privacy, all while keeping the estate beautifully integrated into the surrounding countryside. It’s a garden privacy idea that feels so much more organic than a traditional fence, and gardening experts love its look.
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Proven Winners® Gem Box® Holly Shrub
With its dense, compact growth habit and small dark green leaves, this shrub is an excellent alternative to traditional boxwood in planting schemes. It produces attractive reddish new growth in spring, but loved for its year-round structure.
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This set is ideal for beginners, providing all the essential tools needed to get started with gardening this spring at an affordable price. Designed to withstand the elements, these tools will look good all summer long.
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The American Boxwood Shrub is a dependable garden favorite. Easy to shape and train, it creates a striking foundation hedge when planted in rows or provides year-round privacy and greenery when lined along a porch.
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