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When James and Rachel completed their new-build home on the edge of Harrogate, they quickly realised that the garden needed just as much attention as the house. Wanting an outdoor space that felt established and characterful, they chose reclaimed Yorkshire stone paving to transform their garden into a welcoming, timeless extension of their home.
“Everything about the new build felt fresh and modern, but the garden looked too flat and new,” says Rachel. “We wanted something that gave it instant charm and felt like it had matured over time.”
After researching options, they sourced genuine reclaimed Yorkshire flagstones from Britannia Stone. These large, weathered slabs — rich in natural colours and textured by years of use — brought immediate depth and authenticity to the garden.
The paving was laid to create a traditional courtyard-style patio, which forms the heart of their outdoor space. Soft planting around the edges and a simple oak pergola completed the design, creating a relaxed, characterful area perfect for entertaining.
Choosing reclaimed stone also aligned with their environmental values. “Using materials that have already stood the test of time felt like the most sustainable choice,” James explains. “It not only reduced our environmental impact but added a real story to the garden.”
The natural variation in the stone’s tones — from warm greys to soft buff and subtle pinks — ties beautifully with the exterior materials of their new-build home, creating a seamless link between old and new.
Today, James and Rachel’s garden feels settled, soulful, and full of life — proof that reclaimed Yorkshire stone paving can breathe authenticity and character into even the newest of self-build landscapes.
