Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces not only look beautiful, they have a significant positive impact in supporting wellbeing and mental and physical health. Here at Frilu, we were honoured to design, build and supply materials for two meaningful new gardens at Jubilee House, the Penrith-based recovery centre run by The Fire Fighters Charity.
The Fire Fighters Charity is dedicated to supporting serving and retired fire and rescue personnel and their families, with physical, mental and social wellbeing services. Their work includes tailored physiotherapy, counselling, residential rehabilitation, and vital guidance to help those who’ve spent their lives protecting others.
Their Penrith centre, Jubilee House, is set on the banks of the River Eamont in ten acres of peaceful Cumbrian countryside. It’s a place of rest and recovery, supporting firefighters, as well as former police and ambulance workers, on their journey back to health.
However, some of the outdoor spaces were in need of love and purpose and that’s where we came in.
Transforming Gardens for Wellness
Jubilee House already benefits from a stunning natural backdrop with river views, walking paths, and open green space. However, two key areas, The Longest Ride Garden and a central courtyard, were in need of renovation.
We were brought in to reimagine these spaces, with a brief to improve functionality and accessibility, support rehabilitation and promote a sense of calm.
The Frilu team transformed the Longest Ride Garden – a space named after the fact that it was made possible thanks to the fundraising of a team of firefighters who cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats – into a therapeutic sensory garden, designed for rest and reconnection.
See below before images of both gardens.
A new circular layout brings people together, encouraging a gentle flow through the space and inviting shared moments of stillness. Textural contrast is created through resin-bound gravel paths that meet hand-laid natural stone paving, while raised corten steel beds, supplied and built by Dean Neilson Fabrications, add structure and visual warmth.
These beds are filled with a thoughtfully curated mix of perennials, evergreens, and ornamental grasses, chosen for colour, seasonal interest, and sensory richness, all provided by Virdis Plants. At the heart of the garden sits a striking sculptural water feature by The Fire Pit company, offering the soft sound of trickling water to aid relaxation.
The nearby courtyard, once a tired thoroughfare, has been carefully brought back to life in harmony with the sensory garden’s design. A standout feature is a repurposed gate post, once part of the original site, now serving as a bespoke water feature and as a thoughtful nod to the centre’s heritage.
A Partnership That Continues to Grow
Inspired by the charity’s work and the impact of this project, we’ve proudly selected the Fire Fighters charity as our charity of the year. Throughout the year ahead, we’ll be raising funds and awareness to help support more individuals and families in need of rest, recovery, and support.
If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space, for your business, or your community, get in touch with our team or visit our Penrith showroom to see what’s possible.
