Looks like they did a similar thing here with a false ceiling. These look a bit more built in as well.

There are different kinds of ivy and plant privacy screens that can be purchased which might cover your fence and gate and give you the privacy you are looking for. I have not used them before but the photos look very nice. If you picked a color to match your side or front bushes, it would look very nice and becost effective as well. You have a beautiful home. Good luck and please post photos of the final.

When I was looking at systems for the kitchen that I have just put in nearly everyone told me to keep away from pull out pantry if for general use. The reason being that get too heavy and do not work properly. I have underbench pull outs for oils and spices etc. and that works well but you can feel the weight in it. All of my food items except opened bottles are in drawers including cans point their sides and I am very happy with how it functions. I do not have any pantry.

Update: after 3 days the water in the hole has still not drained. We don't have a boggy section though... so seems a little strange.