From Leach-Infested Slope to Laid-Back Brick Courtyard
A Kennett River Backyard Reimagined for Real Life
Before: A Leaky, Slippery, Soggy Mess
Some backyards fight you at every turn. This Kennett River project was that kind of challenge…
- Sloping yard
- Kikuyu grass growing like a wild beast
- Leaches lurking after every rain
- And not a flat, usable zone in sight
Access was difficult. Drainage was worse. But the vision? Worth it.
The Vision:
An all-season courtyard with rustic charm, perfect for firepit sessions, family gatherings or just putting your feet up with a glass of red.
The Transformation
We stripped it back to bare earth, reshaped the terrain and rebuilt from the soil up…
- ight access and slope grading were carefully handled using manual excavation and clever logistics.
- Recycled red bricks were laid in a circular pattern to create a visually striking, low-maintenance courtyard.
- Drainage and base prep handled the moisture issues once and for all.
- A custom steel firepit took centre stage for year-round entertaining.
- A custom timber bench was integrated into the retaining structure—no wasted space.
Functional Features That Make It Work
- Reclaimed brick paving... adds old-world warmth and excellent drainage without runoff issues.
- Tiered levels and new edgework... allow for safe, stable access and clean transitions between zones.
- Hard-wearing construction and materials... handle all seasons with no fuss—no more swamp after rain.
- Integrated planting zones... soften the structure and allow for future layering of greenery and privacy.
Why This Yard Now Works
✅ No more leach issues
✅ No more mowing a slope
✅ No more wasted space
✅ Just a practical, pretty, low-maintenance area made for enjoying every season
In Summary:
This was not just a makeover...
It was a terrain rescue mission, finished with timeless character and clever construction.
The result?
A beautiful, useful, totally transformed outdoor space in one of Victoria’s most ruggedly stunning coastal areas.
