Next dooe gaden higher looking down into ours, my options.

[Emma2021]

Hi
We have a south facing garden,
As i go into the garden the detachen house on the right is about 3 foor higher than ours. The had a 6 feet fence but new one is only about 5 feet but inc in that height is a trellis so they can see us we can see them

We have floor to ceiling windows and dont have nets to the windows as no once could look in befor as garden are about 300 feet long.

Next doo both side are ok, they do not try to look in i think but catching them out of the corner of my eye etc ofr seeing their faces puts me off re privacy that we had before.

I do not expect them to do anything about it but what could we do to regain some privacy near the back of our home lliving room and garden?

I can not plant a treet/conifer as too close to the house

considers hanging baskets but yo have to look after them

what are my options other than moving or putting up with it.

in the past i could wander around in my underwear etc in the living room but not now. don't want blinds/net curtains etc.

Thanks in advance.

well the obvious solution would be blinds or curtains.

you could grow a climber up the trellis, e.g. a clematis. but if the fence is 50% owned by the neighbour you might need to consult with them because it will grow onto their side.

Is there space for a pleached tree?

You could swap the trellis for a taller one. You might find you get used to it as is though, it’s just the change that feels strange.

Bamboo plants? I think they grow pretty fast, and can be grown in pots so proximity to the house isn't a problem.

Loads of shrubs can be grown close to a house. Bamboo can go mad but there are far better options to cover the trellis. Honeysuckle or clematis would do the job or plant something like cotoneaster. Quite dense but won’t cling to the trellis. Beech hedging won’t damage the house and that keeps it’s leaves all winter.

Alternatively, put some clothes on.

Garden screens?
Look at www.screenwithenvy.co.uk for some ideas for free standing screens.
Not cheap, but lovely.
I have nothing to do with this company, but remember reading about them on Mumsnet previously.
I haven't bought from them, but it is in my future plans.

OP My living room window is lower than next doors and even though we are detached their house is very close to us. I am sure they can see in although only a few feet, but still it is uncomfortable not knowing exactly what they can and cannot see.

I reluctantly bought vertical blinds. They don't stop the light but they do stop anyone from seeing in. I have stood outside and tried to see in and I can't.

Admittedly they were not cheap but worth it

Are you really that opposed to curtains or blinds? I think having privacy would be worth it.

I would not want to put anything on my windows. If it is lighter outside than in they will not be able to see much inside, and there are films which will make your windows look like mirrors, but ots the reverse at night when you have lights on so the balance changes.
I would be growing something as suggested above. Are you on good terms with your neighbour? Then I'd say you think a climber would help both of you regain some privacy. Barring that I personally love bamboo and would have it in a long trough container.

Talk to them about putting larger fence panels back in. If they have concrete posts and standard slot in panels is a simple job.

You can put your own addition to the top of the fence on your side. On your own ground if you need to.

I think vertical blinds look a bit office like but companies like Luxaflex have loads of residential options and sheer blinds are wonderful. We have used a sheer fabric in one of my rooms next to a bridleway. There are very many options that are miles away from heavy curtains and lined roman blinds.

Assuming the height of fence is measured to ndn I'm not sure how you can see through, it must be 8' your side. I doubt they can see as far as you think. If it is their fence you can't fix trellis etc to it. Anything you plant will need maintenance. Maybe vertical blinds if it bothers you that much or put up a pergola and train plants over it.

As your garden is south facing and probably gets a decent amount of sun could you grow some tall, airy plants along your borders which won't block the light, but will block the direct view? Something like Verbena or Hibiscus, which can grow to about 2 metres tall.

Or alternatively you could grow a climber such as an evergreen jasmine on a trellis at the border. They would give you privacy but not block the light, or cause the potential root problems that a tree so close to your might.

Bamboo in troughs is a good solution, look on the internet there are loads of pictures/ ideas . They make an excellent screen and also let some light through as well.

The troughs are not cheap mind but you could make your own I suppose . 👍

Nothing to stop you putting your own fence up, next to their fence but with higher panels.

Assuming it's their fence here - have you asked them about it? They may also be bothered about it, but are nervous about making it technically too high from the original ground level, thus needing planning permission. In that case, you can mutually agree to just do it & you'll probably be ok/escape enforcement if neither of you ever complain.

They may also be willing for you to replace/extend it upwards at your cost.

Grow a hedge or put blinds up.

Thanks to those that genuinely tried to help, appreciated very much. I read this thread last night and been looking at some stuff, really good ideas and read today's bits as well. So thanks again and you know who you are. So really goo ideas here and will keep on looking and decding and may do something within couple of weeks as very busy atm but will do something but not tell them to change their fence as its brand new a few moths but f knows what they were thinking about as when I see their heads watering the plants they look like...

Bamboo in pots

We have a similar problem. Next door are just over a meter higher and it was all ok until they took down a 6 foot fence covered in ivy etc and replaced with 4 foot plus trellis.

Other neighbours kindly gave us some bamboo which really helps plus there is some jasmine but it isn’t evergreen and this time of the year it’s quite exposed.

I am planning to put some 6 feet hazel or willow hurdles up behind he bamboo just in front of the fence and trellis which I think will sort it.