What should I replace this fencing with?

[dizzyupthegirl86]

I’ve woken up this morning to find a fence panel is no longer there, and it’s got me thinking that I should probably replace it all. What’s currently there isn’t in the best condition and has been there since before I bought the house. It overlooks a canal and so I want something that gives a similar level of privacy. There’s access to the level below that if I lift out a smaller fence panel on the right hand side, and I’d like to keep that set up, or have a gate (preferably one that looks similar to the fencing and not so obviously like a gate in an ideal world). The height including the trellis is about 1200mm. Does anyone with an eye for these things have any suggestions please?

Not sure whether you would be allowed to put in a gate unless there is already an established right of way. You might need to check that with the local council. Some people near us got into trouble for putting a gate in their fence which led onto a public footpath, and they were made to close it up again.

Oh the land below is mine (via adopted use, I think it’s called, by the last owners), I should have mentioned that!
I don’t access it very often, mainly because the steps are a bit ramshackle, but I wouldn’t want to lose the access entirely either.

the canal path is on the other side of the canal, so there’s virtually no chance of anyone getting into my garden that way.

CLose board fencing with a gate made the same way.

I'd put a curved top fence in with a central gate as a feature and planters either side (on crosses).

Even if the fencing style still retained your privacy it would lead the eye out and make the space seem larger.

Frame the water not conceal it.

That’s a really nice idea actually, thank you.
believe me, making the space seem smaller would be difficult. That picture shows one level, there’s another four!

I quite like the idea of having planters as well, that’s one thing that crossed my mind initially, removing the fence entirely and having planters instead with climbers or something.

it’s a lovely garden, I just struggle with inspiration because I don’t have an eye for these things!

@dizzyupthegirl86 These Louvre panels would be the best solution. Let in light and you can get gates too. It’s a softer look and you can put planting in front if you wish.

Forgot photo!

Ooh I do like those! They’d probably be more private because of the slant too.

@dizzyupthegirl86 We have very similar at a holiday house. Just look up Venetian fencing and you’ll find some. I really like ours and although we don’t have a privacy issue, they do work for that whilst letting light in.