Patios in Stony Stratford.

Behind the High Street the gardens run long and narrow, and the only way in is usually a side passage. Every slab, bag and barrow of spoil goes along it, which Terry allows for in the written price after walking the route with you.

Sandstone's warm colours and uneven edges sit well against old brick and stone walls. Where a garden is not level, the patio is built with steps and a retaining wall on a concrete footing at least 300mm deep so it sits flat.

A back garden is rarely touched by the conservation area rules, but work on a listed building itself needs consent, so Terry checks before anything is fixed to the house.

Parking on the High Street is restricted, so deliveries come early. The gardens on Galley Hill and Fullers Slade are smaller, and porcelain is the low-upkeep alternative there.

Boundary walls matter in the old town. Where one needs rebuilding or a new one is wanted alongside the patio, it goes on a proper footing, is priced in the same quote, and the brick or stone is matched as closely as possible.