Before establishing his own practice, Alistair spent eighteen months creating a masterplan for the 20 acre gardens around this, one of England's finest Grade I listed manor houses. In places, faithful restoration saw the setting to the manor returned to its former glory, as in the east garden where new parterres, rebuilt walls and steps and replanted herbaceous borders provide a foil for the iconic east façade. In other parts, such as the walled garden, new designs drew inspiration from historic layouts, with contemporary touches carefully introduced to complement the textures and patina of the estate.