Thursday 13 March 2014

The Gate Beautiful

Gates are both symbols and entryways.
They can make the first impression of your home feel grand, mysterious, welcoming, cottagey  or slick. Whatever atmosphere you are after, your gate is the best place to start.


This gate makes the courtyard beyond very private, but because of its decoration it is not austere or unwelcoming. In fact, it invites you in.


Here, the gate is short and a little skewed but affords a tantalising view of the stone cottage behind it.


To make a comfortable transition between street and garden, a gateway should blend visually with the garden, its setting, the wall or fence and the house beyond. Think about the style, shapes, material, colour and scale of the home or buildings. Linking the gate with the front door is another key to successful design.

 Here are some neighbourhood homes and entryways that work well together.

















 The majority of local homes are made of wood and this is reflected in the number of wooden gates.

Below is a plan of a small front entry garden complete with suitable and welcoming front gate.


The correct choice of gate depends on its function. It might be a visual attraction piece or a necessary blockage to stop children running into the road or even to keep dogs or unwelcome salesmen out.
Why do many pleasing houses present an indifferent face to the world? It may be that the gate is derelict, mismatching or even absent altogether.
Here are some gorgeous gateway solutions from  other websites :





 Decorative wrought iron is a classic choice for a gate through an old wall or hedge.


Leaving the gate slightly ajar feels more welcoming.
Gate your outdoor rooms, even if they are not at the front of the property, this creates intrigue and a desire to explore the next scene.
Gates can be an expense but a well built gate is essential, so is a good builder to hang it correctly.

Gatepost Trivia:
The post on which a gate hangs is the hanging post, and the post on which it shuts is the banging post.
Sense prevails.

Open up, ancient gates!
Open up ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory? The Lord Almighty-He is the King of glory.
New Living Translation.


When passing through the gates of pearly splendour,Victors, we rest with thee, through endless days. c1895.Edith G. Cherry