New patio for cottage garden - advise please?

[wrenhere]

Hello, I could really do with advice about a new. My house is a small Dorset cottage, white rendered/painted brick and flint, and a slate roof. The existing paths are Purbeck stone (creamy grey limestone) crazy paving style. The patio which will be outside my new hardwood conservatory is 2.7 by 6 m. and I am trying maintain the cottagey, informal look.

I have found some tumbled Indian limestone which matches quite well, but in order to get the greyish colour I want I am restricted to two sizes - 275mm x 275mm and 275mm x 560mm - (I have found a very helpful supplier who'll let me sort through the crates, but only has these two sizes available for this!).

I have drawn up a plan laying them as randomly as possible, using predominately the larger size. I'm planning to butt them up against each other - no mortar. BUT I am a little worried that the slabs are too small and might look a bit busy. What do you think?!

I have also considered brick pavers or cobbles, as a complete contrast. By the way I have looked at Purbeck, but new is still to be quarried and I don't have time to wait and reclaimed is extortionate! Sorry this is such a long first post - thanks for reading.

I am going round and round in circles and would really appreciate your opinions - I've GOT to make a decision very soon!

Thanks

 

[biffvernon]

You are right not to use mortar. It's important that the rainwater can soak through into the soil below. But isn't Dorset quite a long way from India? Much better to use local brick or cobbles.

 

[wrenhere]

Good point. Do you know of any brick pavers which have the right feel though - I wouldn't want it to look like a driveway?! I've had samples from York Handmade and they just don't look right. I don't really want to use old house bricks, even though these would look lovely straight away, as they would get frosted and and I'm guessing it would be an ongoing maintenance job.

If I do find some new brick pavers, does anyone have any advice for getting them aged as soon as possible?

Thanks

PS still have a complete decided against the limestone, so any more comments about the sizes?

 

[Nemesis]

Stone from India?

Wonder how it gets here...


http://environment.guardian.co.uk/travel/story/0,,2027045,00.html

 

[biffvernon]

That's the one.

 

[Nemesis]

I don't know if Bulmer Brick does paviors, but worth a try?

Bulmer Brick & Tile Company
Brickfields, Hedingham Road, Bulmer, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7EF
Tel: 01787 269232
Fax: 01787 269040
E-mail: bbt@bulmerbrickandtile.co.uk
A brickworks has stood on the site of the Bulmer Brick & Tile Company since the 15th century. The company produces hand-moulded facings and special bricks to nearly 5,000 patterns, together with a range of terracotta pieces. It specialises in purpose-made bricks for restoration, using London Bed clay to produce the mellow reds seen in some of the nation's finest buildings, as in their restoration work at Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.


http://www.iom3.org/divisions/icta/links.htm


Don't worry, it won't take long for anything outside to look aged.

 

[wrenhere]

Thanks, will check them out, also have some samples on order from Chelmer Valley Brick - hopefully find something suitable.

Wrenhere

 

[Nemesis]

This link has other suppliers:

http://www.periodliving.co.uk/CompanyDirectory.aspx?cid=670C75F801C54FD394331C7228D35362

 

[wrenhere]

Thanks - that will keep me busy!

Wrenhere

 

[L1zzy]

Hi I live in Dorset (Shaftesbury) you could try the various reclaimation yards - Bere Regis,Semley,etc who might be able to help. Another potential source of help would be Rob Buckley at Dorset Rural skills Centre (DCRS) he'd know perhaps where you could get stone that would be a good match for your area. Are you in the Purbecks? what do people around you use? Whats your nearest quarry (? Portland) Also I have found my Conservation Officer to be very pragmatic and helpful -NDDC have a list of suppliers etc who maybe you could approach for guidance.CO is unlikley to 'recommend' someone.

 

[wrenhere]

Thanks Lizzy

I will try Rob, should have thought of him myself! I've tried the reclamation yards, no luck, mostly building bricks, not pavers.