The Outdoor Room acquires Esse Landscapes

After a landmark year, The Outdoor Room has today acquired Felbridge-based Esse Landscapes.

Marking a milestone year for the Guildford-based company, The Outdoor Room celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025.

The occasion was highlighted by multiple accolades, including recognition at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the prestigious Grand Award at the BALI National Landscape Awards.

Towards the end of the year, founder David Dodd was approached by Steve Etheridge – owner of Esse Landscapes – to explore a potential acquisition.

Founded by Etheridge in 2003, Esse Landscapes has created over 200 gardens and been honoured with a collection of industry awards over the last two decades.

It was this stature and the two company’s similarity in values that peaked Dodd’s interest, as he comments:

“I’ve always admired the ethos and culture of Esse Landscapes and many of their company values were the same as The Outdoor Room’s.”

He notes that the combined skill sets of the management team, craftsmen and designers will continue to push The Outdoor Room to new heights.

Adding that with 70% of The Outdoor Room’s work coming through designers and architectures, and the remaining work being in-house design and build.

While Esse’s opposite model of over 70% of its work being design and build being directly for the client, Dodd remarks that “the match was perfect.”

Etheridge’s decision to take a step back led to the initial conversation with Dodd, with the former saying:

“The agreement ensures continuity of employment for the entire Esse team, alongside the opportunity to be part of a larger and increasingly dynamic business.”

Etheridge’s involvement will continue throughout the handover period before formally going into retirement.

Esse Landscapes will cease trading from April 1 2026, with all further enquires to be made to The Outdoor Room.

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