Spear’s Review

Marcus Barnett spent seven years as an officer with the Scots Guards before deciding to switch careers and become a full-time garden designer. After graduating with distinction from the Inchbald School of Design, he established his own company, Marcus Barnett Studio. 

His impressive portfolio includes large country houses in the Cotswolds, a 65-hectare vineyard in Sardinia, townhouses in Chelsea, and the outdoor spaces, gardens, roof terraces and courtyards at the Raffles London at The OWO. The studio now works extensively across Europe, from France, Spain and Portugal to Italy and Greece, as well as in Oman, India and the US.

Barnett describes the studio’s style as ‘quietly modern and contemporary’, typically geometric yet softened by ‘an abundance of plants’. Most commissions are private and long-term, and are based on close relationships with his clients. ‘It’s a very personal thing,’ he tells Spear’s. ‘We work with them for probably a minimum of two years.’