How an historic site became London’s most exclusive residential address

Orion Capital Managers is a European real estate private equity firm known for delivering standout, investment-driven developments. For The Glebe, Orion envisioned something truly exceptional, a secluded collection of just eight ultra-luxury residences built on the site of the former Kingsley School, nestled in one of Chelsea’s oldest and most discreet quarters.

Every element of the project, including the landscape, demanded the highest level of precision and quality. Built in 1914, the school’s redbrick façades were retained and supported while the team demolished the rest of the structure. They then constructed a new internal concrete frame and double basement, extending to the site boundaries to realise the project’s ambitious design.

The main contractor, Multiplex, brought extensive experience in delivering high-profile, technically complex urban developments, and oversaw the build. The architectural vision was shaped by Formation Architects, who coordinated the landscape design by Tom Stuart-Smith Ltd, a celebrated designer and nine-time Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist.

Combining heritage, privacy and world-class design into a luxurious development

The development of The Glebe posed unique technical and aesthetic challenges. The site’s prestigious location in the heart of old Chelsea demanded the highest design standards to blend seamlessly with its historic surroundings. The client needed landscaping to reflect the bespoke, artistic vision of celebrated designer Tom Stuart-Smith, while navigating complex site logistics and privacy requirements.

Beyond design, there were key challenges to solve:

Creating peaceful, private garden spaces in a tight, urban setting
Coordinating with multiple high-end trades and craftspeople on a sensitive, high-value site
Meeting exacting quality and precision standards under tight constraints
Ensuring longevity and sustainability of the landscaping elements
Overcoming engineering complexities of building on a double-basement footprint and around retained façades

Multiplex required a landscape delivery partner with high-quality experience, attention to detail, and collaborative approach needed to bring the vision to life.

A seamless blend of hard and soft landscaping works

To deliver this £5.7 million soft and hard landscaping scheme to the highest standards, the team appointed Gavin Jones Ltd, a Nurture Group company, as their trusted landscape delivery partner. Starting with the main School area and later extending the landscaping projects to the two new Villas, spanning a 5-year period.

Our responsibilities included:

Supplying detailed shop drawings, samples and mock-ups for approval via specialist workshops
Installing high-spec materials such as Purbeck Verney setts, reclaimed Yorkstone paving, custom car lift covers, and discreet water management systems
Implementing privacy-enhancing solutions like foxed mirror panels, trellises and layered planting
Sourcing and installing mature specimen trees, herbaceous plants, shrubs, bespoke green roofs and a large-scale green wall in Villa A.

Working under the main contractor Multiplex, the Gavin Jones team collaborated closely with Formation Architects and Tom Stuart-Smith Ltd to interpret and execute a high-concept landscape design.

Crafted with purpose, built with expert landscaping knowledge

Work began on-site in February 2017, following 18 months of detailed planning and design coordination. Spanning five years, the project demanded close collaboration between architects, landscape designers, specialist contractors and site teams to bring the vision for The Glebe to life. The site’s central Chelsea location posed notable logistical challenges. With restricted access, limited space and only a single loading bay, materials had to be scheduled precisely, often craned in or moved manually. Weather added further constraints, particularly affecting crane operations, which required flexible and careful planning.

The landscaping was delivered in phased stages across the school building, two luxury villas, double basements, private terraces and shared gardens. Each area came with unique architectural and engineering requirements, often involving work above underground structures. Among the most complex tasks was installing custom-cut paving over mechanical car lifts and integrating slot drainage seamlessly into the overall design. Attention to detail was vital, from aligning paving joints to concealing infrastructure within heritage and modern elements.

Equally, the planting required precision. Tom Stuart-Smith’s landscape design called for layered greenery extending up to 65 feet to create natural privacy without physical barriers. Every plant and tree were positioned with care to meet both aesthetic and spatial intent. Despite the high specification and technical complexity, the delivery was smooth and well-managed. Resulting in a refined, high-performance landscape that complements the architecture and offers residents an exceptional private environment in the heart of Chelsea.

Precision landscaping delivered across three distinct high-value zones:

The School: Main building and gardens

The landscape works around the former Kingsley School required precise coordination with the retained 1914 redbrick façade and the complex double-basement below. Gavin Jones laid 614m² of reclaimed Yorkstone paving in neat, levelled courses. They also installed porphyry setts in elegant fan patterns to enhance the approach and transition zones.

To soften the structure, double avenue of pleached Tilia tree were planted. These sat above basement infrastructure, supported by a structural Strata-cell system to protect long-term root health.

Privacy and light were carefully balanced. Bespoke timber trellises and dividing walls, some over 6 metres high, created structure and screening. Integrated foxed mirrors helped reflect natural light into shaded areas. The East Sunken Garden, designed as a private retreat, featured shade-loving plants and reclaimed finishes. Automated gates and hidden services completed the building’s discreet and refined frontage.

Villa A: Elegance and engineering combined

Gavin Jones created a refined, structurally integrated landscape that complemented the villa’s bold architecture. They laid Purbeck Verney setts with precision, including within a custom mechanical car lift. Custom slot drains framed the paving, allowing discreet water management.

Brabazon limestone formed the main paving and feature bridge elements. Oversized slabs added drama to the water feature, enhancing the sense of arrival with light and reflection. A living green wall flanked the entrance, softening the building’s lines and introducing vertical planting in a tight space.

To complete the scheme, Gavin Jones installed mature screening trees and sectional steel planters. These were craned into position and built to support 12-metre-high bamboo hedging. Every element sat above a basement structure, demanding meticulous planning and flawless execution.

Villa B: Privacy, layers and texture

Villa B’s landscaping emphasised privacy, layered planting and bespoke detailing. Gavin Jones installed a mix of Purbeck Verney setts and limestone paving laid on pedestal supports above the basement roof.

Solid bronze, perforated gates and dividing walls framed the villa’s entrance and vehicle access. Each piece featured a custom cell-pattern design and included intercoms, lighting and automated systems to ensure a smooth user experience.

To protect nearby mature trees, the team installed reinforced concrete footings with screw-pile foundations. This approach avoided any disruption to the surrounding landscape.

Screen planting and trellis work helped shape secluded outdoor zones, providing residents with a calm, contained space that blends craftsmanship with structural integrity.

Landscaping that elevates everyday luxury

The landscape at The Glebe is a defining feature of the development’s success. Offering a rare combination of privacy, elegance and craftsmanship in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. Through the expert delivery by Gavin Jones Ltd, every outdoor space was transformed into a seamless extension of the architecture. Providing a calm and refined environment that enhances daily living.

Each area was carefully designed to balance beauty with function. Layered planting provides privacy without the need for walls, creating a peaceful, estate-like atmosphere in the heart of Chelsea. Sculptural water features, custom trellis work and year-round planting interest contribute to a setting that feels timeless and discreetly luxurious.

Built above complex basement structures, the landscapes required precise engineering, from tailored soil build-ups and drainage systems to concealed services. Despite tight access and logistical constraints, Gavin Jones delivered to an exceptional standard, coordinating closely with architects and contractors throughout.

The result is a landscape that not only reflects the high-spec finish expected of a project of this calibre but also supports long-term resilience and wellbeing. The outdoor spaces are more than an aesthetic complement, they are central to the lifestyle, liveability and identity of the development.

Ready to transform your public spaces into vibrant landscapes?

Whether you manage a retail destination, business park or large public spaces, Gavin Jones delivers award-winning landscape construction services that combine quality craftsmanship, expert coordination, and an eye for detail. If you’re looking to enhance your site’s visual appeal, improve visitor experience, or meet your sustainability and planning goals, we’re here to help make it happen.

With decades of experience, a national presence, and a trusted reputation, we work closely with clients, contractors and designers to bring ambitious outdoor visions to life.