Set amidst the rolling countryside of South East Kent, a charming rural cottage has recently undergone a front driveway transformation. The homeowners were looking to enhance the privacy, security, and overall appearance of their property while staying true to its rustic character. They turned to a trusted fence installer in South East Kent, T. Metcalfe Fencing Contractors.

As the first feature you see when approaching the property, the driveway entrance needed to make a strong impression. Our Approved Installer recommended the Hythe Courtyard gate, a popular wooden driveway gate choice for rural and cottage-style homes. These gates feature a distinctive arched top and solid vertical boards, creating a simple yet elegant aesthetic that perfectly complements the traditional look of the cottage. The courtyard gates are equipped with an internal steel frame for added stability and are supported by steel posts that are timber-clad to maintain a continuous wooden appearance. This combination ensures that the boundary is strong and formidable while looking great.

Automated Hythe Courtyard Gates

To enhance both practicality and security, the gates have been fully automated. The homeowners can operate them easily using a remote, enjoying the benefits of modern access control without compromising the timeless style of their home. Our  automated systems  are designed to be discreet; as all safety devices and motors are positioned subtly behind the fence line, ensuring the overall appearance of the property stays intact.

Wooden Driveway Gate with Matching Fence Panels

To complement the gate and maintain a cohesive look, the surrounding boundary was completed with Vertical Tongue and Groove Effect fence panels. These fence panels mirror the style of the Hythe Courtyard gates, offering a clean, uniform appearance that enhances the overall landscaping of the front of the property. Made from high quality, vacuum pressure-treated timber, the panels not only look smart but also promise long-term durability and weather resistance.  Their choice of optional timber cladding around the gate posts adds a refined finishing touch and helps create an even more seamless and cohesive look across the entrance. With a 25 year guarantee against rot and insect attack, they offer a low maintenance fencing solution that’s built to last.

Vertical Tongue and Groove Effect fence panels in garden

Palisade Fencing for the Cottage Garden

The homeowners had previously installed Traditional Palisade fencing with rounded pales in kit form, so as returning customers, they were already familiar with the high quality and reliability of the products. Wooden palisade or picket fencing  fits their cottage-style garden perfectly and helps to keep dogs from running into the driveway. As kit form fencing is customisable, it meant it could follow the borders of the planting with natural curves, creating a garden fence that feels both practical and in keeping with the soft lines of the landscape.

Palisade garden fencing

Uni Gates: Reliable and Built to Last

The previous owners had installed Uni Gates years ago to separate the drive from the garden. The gates include a loop over catch, a traditional type of gate lock, along with drop bolts to hold them in position and reduce strain on the posts. Despite their age, the garden gates remain in excellent condition and continue to function reliably, which reflects the standard of materials and workmanship we aim to uphold and why we confidently offer a 25 year guarantee across our timber products.

Improved Garden Privacy, Security and Convenience with Quality Fencing and Gates

The result is a striking yet sympathetic upgrade that complements the cottage’s character while providing improved privacy, security, and convenience. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design and expert installation can transform a rural home.

Hythe Courtyard Gate with matching Vertical Tongue and Groove Effect panels

The Benefits of Choosing a Jacksons Approved Installer

By selecting T. Metcalfe Fencing Contractors, Approved Installers for Jacksons Fencing, the homeowners had complete confidence in the quality of their project. Known for their expertise in fitting Jacksons products with precision and care, T. Metcalfe have built a strong reputation for delivering tailored fencing and gate solutions across Kent. As part of the Jacksons Approved Installer Programme, they are vetted for workmanship, professionalism and customer service. From the first consultation to final installation, the process was smooth and efficient, backed by the added peace of mind that comes with Jacksons’ industry-leading 25 year guarantee.

Hythe Courtyard Gates with timber cladding on posts

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