Showcasing the Outdoors: Tips for Presenting High-End Homes in the Warmer Seasons

The garden, driveway and general outdoor areas often make a first and lasting impression, which may be the deciding factor for prospective buyers. After all, a beautifully maintained exterior is a reflection of the overall quality of the property.

As professional home stagers, Lemon and Lime Interiors, we have years of experience getting both the inside and outside of properties looking great ready for market. Here are some of the areas of focus for you to discuss with your clients:

A pristine lawn is a must when presenting a luxury property. Lawns act as a blank canvas that can make the entire outdoor area look expansive, and inviting. The first step to a picture-perfect lawn is ensuring it’s well-mowed, with neatly trimmed edges. As we move into Spring, it's important to keep the grass lush and green, which might involve regular watering and fertilising to encourage healthy growth.

Consider scheduling a professional landscaper for a top-notch finish, and make sure the lawn is free of weeds or unsightly brown or bald patches. Buyers often imagine themselves enjoying summer evenings in the garden, and a manicured lawn helps them visualise their dream.

Hedges and shrubbery not only add texture and colour but also create a sense of privacy and elegance around the property. In high-end homes, clean, well-maintained hedges frame the property beautifully and provide a well-structured aesthetic.

Ensure that hedges are properly trimmed and shaped as they burst into life after the winter. A neat border around the garden or driveway adds sophistication. Consider using boxwood or yew hedges, which are popular in luxury landscapes due to their refined, uniform look.

Encourage sellers to keep any climbing plants or ivy under control. While they add charm, unruly growth can easily detract from the property's overall appeal, especially if a buyer is concerned about the damage a climbing plants is doing to the exterior of the house.

A carefully curated selection of flowers can turn any garden into an eye-catching masterpiece. High-end properties often have large gardens with room for a variety of plant life, so make sure to incorporate blooms that complement the architecture and overall vibe of the property.

Focus on a planting scheme that means there are some flowers in full bloom from the early Spring until the late summer. Luxury homes often take a while to find the right buyer.  Consider seasonal flowers like roses, tulips, lavender, or peonies, which evoke a sense of old-fashioned elegance. For a touch of grandeur, consider adding a few large, flowering shrubs such as hydrangeas or rhododendrons or even architectural planting such as fatsias, acers or acanthus.

The key is variety not chaos. A well-balanced colour palette can create a harmonious atmosphere that feels curated rather than overgrown. Coordinate the flower arrangements so that they don’t overwhelm the space but provide vibrant bursts of colour or structural interest.

A grand driveway can set the tone for the entire property. The approach to a luxury home is vital in creating that all-important first impression. Focus on ensuring the driveway is clean, smooth, and well-lit.

If the driveway is paved, be sure the paving stones are in excellent condition. For gravel driveways, make sure the stones are evenly distributed and clean, as loose gravel, weeds or dirt can make an area look neglected. Consider adding fresh gravel before marketing if necessary. Elegant lighting along the drive, such as lamp posts or low-voltage path lights, creates a welcoming ambiance for evening viewings.

For larger properties with gates, ensure the gates are well-maintained and functioning smoothly. A gate that creaks, is covered with lichen or appears rusty can tarnish the overall appeal of a luxury estate.

As outdoor living spaces become more important to homeowners, showcasing patios and terraces can greatly enhance the overall appeal of a luxury property. In the warmer months, these spaces should be presented as serene, elegant retreats where buyers can imagine entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments.

Power-wash patios to remove dirt and grime and add stylish outdoor furniture. A sleek table and chairs, perhaps paired with a few plush cushions, make the space feel inviting and ready for a warm evening of dining outdoors. A well-placed fire pit or water feature can enhance the atmosphere especially in the early Spring, offering a sense of tranquillity, luxury and year-round outdoor dining.

If the property features a pool, ensure it is sparkling clean, with a well-maintained surrounding area. The pool should look like a luxurious, low-maintenance asset, not a space requiring constant upkeep.

Luxury properties often boast unique outdoor features, such as ponds, fountains, or sculptures. These elements should be showcased as focal points that enhance the landscape. Carefully prune any overgrown plants that might obscure these elements and ensure they remain the central focus of their surroundings.

A grand outdoor fireplace, a pergola covered in blooming vines, or even a well-maintained orchard can all be featured to add character and charm to the property. These standout features give potential buyers ideas for how they can use the space, whether it's for hosting large gatherings or enjoying peaceful, private moments.

As the days get longer, the outdoor space may be viewed at both dusk and night. To enhance the appeal of the property during evening viewings, invest in high-quality, subtle lighting to highlight key areas of the garden, the driveway, and any unique features.

Strategically placed uplights or downlights on trees, large shrubs or architectural features can create an enchanting ambiance, while subtle path lighting adds both safety and elegance. The key is to create a warm, inviting glow that highlights the home’s exterior in a flattering light, without being overly bright or harsh.

When presenting luxury homes, the exterior plays an essential role in creating that crucial first impression. As we move into the warmer months, take advantage of the lushness of the season. From immaculate lawns to vibrant flower beds, well-kept hedges to elegant driveways, every detail counts in making a property look its best. By focusing on these key areas, estate agents can help their clients showcase their properties in the most captivating and refined way possible, ultimately leading to faster sales and higher offers.

Remember: Buyers don’t just purchase a home; they’re buying into a lifestyle. And the exterior is the first glimpse of that lifestyle. Make it shine.

Contact our team today for advice on getting your client’s gardens looking market ready. 01332 987740 / hello@lemonandlimeinteriors.co.uk 

Photographs: John Holmes Photography.