Making a Tennis Court

This guide opens with a lively look at tennis’s surprisingly ancient roots, tracing the game from medieval courts in European castles to the modern lawn sport that captured the public’s imagination in the late‑19th century. It blends that rich history with clear, practical advice, making the evolution of rules, court shapes, and equipment feel relevant to today’s players. Readers will appreciate how the author connects past traditions to the pleasures of a contemporary outdoor pastime.

The heart of the book is a step‑by‑step discussion of where and how to place a court on a country estate. It emphasizes choosing a level, sun‑lit site no smaller than 60 by 120 feet, keeping the space close enough to the house for convenience while allowing a graceful transition through terraces or garden walks. Considerations of topography, surrounding architecture, and even the background’s brightness help the court become a harmonious part of the landscape.

Illustrated throughout are useful sketches of court layouts, backstops, spectator benches, and decorative borders, showing how functionality can meet aesthetic appeal. The author offers simple, inexpensive ideas for fencing and edging that still make the court a visual feature. By the end, anyone with sufficient land will feel equipped to turn a plain rectangle into a welcoming outdoor retreat for sport and socializing.