What Yorkshire's Harewood House and Castle Howard have taught this Lancashire lad about landscape design

From the Treasure Houses of Harewood House and Castle Howard to the many examples of country houses varying in scale and character, each a legacy of a previous era, a physical representation of society, taste, and culture of the day.

When we think of these places, we think of the mansion house – these structures that dominate in size and grandeur. When we experience these places in the flesh, however, we do so in the context of their setting and the landscapes in which they sit - from extensive parklands to more intimate gardens.

This feeling of a seamless blend between buildings and their setting is no accident, but the culmination of a vision to bring these imposing structures together with their surroundings.

These great houses were often a response to their place, the location selected to make a statement, with the position of the house responding to landscape features and vistas.

Landscape settings were also shaped for functionality (with many a walled garden) and to maximise opportunities to impress, with designed landscapes creating gardens and parklands with features to deliver the wow factor.

Perhaps a sweeping drive to create the ‘big reveal’ of the house from certain vantage points, or a lake positioned to reflect a grand facade.

At Harewood House, architects John Carr and Robert Adam worked with Lancelot Capability Brown to deliver a vision for a house whose true grandeur is in how it sits within and works with its surrounding landscape. This has endured for over 250 years, reflecting the quality and thoughtfulness in the design practices of the day, which continue to shape our present-day experience.

Whilst most homes and gardens are nowhere near the scale of Yorkshire’s great country houses, some principles remain relevant for the design and development of the next generation of country houses and can influence house and garden design concepts at many scales and in many settings.

Whether selecting a site for an ambitious new build, extending or replacing an existing home, or looking to remodel a domestic garden in a rural location, landscape features and a response to an understanding of place should be a key design driver.

As well as visual appeal, architects and garden designers must consider the impact of development on the landscape, environmental influences and responsibilities and the characteristics of a place, which may be protected by landscape or heritage designations.

Taking a ‘landscape-led’ approach to designing new houses and gardens can be key to planning success and irrespective of scale or style we continue to develop the next generation of country homes representing the best practices of today, informed by the character and qualities of their setting, and seeking to conserve and enhance the landscapes in which they sit.

Alex Robinson is associate director for Rural Solutions