Beautifully graveled driveways ideal for your rural abode:
Gravel Driveways: A Charming and Practical Choice for Country Homes
A 17th century listed farmhouse in the countryside boasts a stunning gravel driveway that enhances the space and complements the traditional Cotswold stone building. The driveway, which sweeps across the entire width of the house, adds width and structure, creating a dreamy feeling of continuity.
The entrance to the driveway is circular and co-ordinates beautifully with the stone exterior and trailing foliage. Topiary lines the entrance, making it picture perfect and complementing the natural stone of the building. The white gravel used here works wonderfully well alongside the traditional Cotswold stone, creating a border around the grassy lawn, keeping cars out of sight of the main house.
Gravel driveways offer numerous benefits, such as effective water drainage, cost-effectiveness, and a natural aesthetic. When properly graded and shaped with a crown to direct water flow away from buildings and low spots, gravel driveways help prevent pooling or erosion. Gravel is also generally less expensive to install than asphalt or concrete, and has a rustic, country-home appeal commonly highlighted in magazines like Country Homes & Interiors.
However, gravel driveways require thoughtful design considerations. Regular maintenance through grading is necessary to maintain an even surface and proper water runoff. Another upgrade is installing a cellular grid system beneath the gravel, which acts as a honeycomb support layer to retain gravel, preventing migration and bold patches. This grid improves driveway longevity and performance at some additional cost.
Ginevra Benedetti, the Deputy Editor of Country Homes & Interiors since 2021, has been a key figure in showcasing the practical and aesthetic benefits of gravel driveways in the magazine. She edits, writes, or commissions the majority of the content for the magazine, and has been a part of the team since 2011, currently overseeing the publication of the brand's magazine each month.
If you're inspired by this country cottage's gravel driveway, visit the Country Homes & Interiors homepage for more ideas and inspiration. The specific gravel used in the sweeping driveway is available to buy directly from The Heritage Stone Company.
References:
- Gravel Driveways: Pros, Cons, and Maintenance Tips. (2021, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping/hardscaping/gravel-driveways-pros-cons-and-maintenance-tips
- Gravel Driveways: A Cost-Effective and Durable Solution. (2020, August 10). Retrieved from https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/gravel-driveways/9ba0384b2d525c9395fab70a
- Gravel Driveways: The Perfect Choice for a Country Home. (2019, June 24). Retrieved from https://www.countryhomesandinteriors.com/garden/outdoor-ideas/gravel-driveways-the-perfect-choice-for-a-country-home-35656
- Gravel Driveways: A Timeless and Versatile Choice. (2018, May 1). Retrieved from https://www.bhg.com/gardening/outdoor-projects/hardscaping/gravel-driveways/
- Gravel Driveways: A Sustainable and Attractive Option. (2017, July 10). Retrieved from https://www.gardendesign.com/outdoor-living/gravel-driveways.html
The CHARMING and PRACTICAL gravel driveway, a common choice in country homes, is often featured in home-and-garden magazines like Country Homes & Interiors, showcasing its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Home-improvement enthusiasts might find inspiration for their HOME-DESIGN projects from such magazines, which also offer advice on maintaining gravel driveways over time. Gardening enthusiasts, too, may appreciate the natural look of gravel, as it can harmonize well with various landscaping elements, such as traditional stone buildings and local foliage.
