Even with a limited amount of space between house and road, there are many ways to create an attractive first impression. Obviously the house itself is a good starting point. Does it need a fresh coat of paint? Are structural changes required to make the house look more appealing?

Once you are satisfied with the way the house looks from the road, consider the complete view, i.e. the house and the way it relates to the immediate surroundings. Do they belong together? Or are they two separate entities? Are they in harmony and do they complement each other? Or does each have its own distinct flavour?

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Many houses are positioned on the site like this one; with the front door facing the road, a driveway along the side of the house, and a path leading diagonally from the drive to the front door. Whilst the latter may be the most practical and direct route to the front door, it does not relate to the shape of the house and disconnects the house from the front yard. Removing the original path and replacing it with one that consists of a series of connected L-shapes, is one solution. Another, less invasive option is to use planting design as a tool to link the house with its surroundings and with the existing path.

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