The Last Resort
When I first visited with my clients they showed me a very disjointed, little used backyard. They were seeking a resort and respite at home. There was a lot of space, but due to an odd lot line, it had been chopped up by the builder. The challenge was to create more entertaining and relaxing space that was somehow linked. As more folks stay home, they are looking to add outdoor rooms to meet with friends at a distance or just enjoy the outdoors. The clients appeared a little heartbroken when I told them that I was pretty booked for the season and we could get them in the following spring. They were so nice we decided to ramp up the project and take on the challenge.
First, we ripped out the existing terrace and plantings to claim the added real estate. We broke up the entire yard into four distinct spaces: rose garden, terrace, fire pit area and second garden/exit. We built our signature walls to flank the entry and exits.
Next, we took off the composite stairs and replaced them with granite steps and landing. Not only did it look great, we managed to gain a few more feet for the new terrace.
We added fabulous oversized corten containers to help soften the fencing and give the terrace a true garden feeling.
Next we added a granite step down to the oddly shaped lot line. Our objective was to make the space look bigger by running the large format pavers perpendicular to those on the upper level.
We added a beautiful weeping spruce to take the eye off the pinch point. Come summer, the terrace will be in bloom with hydrangea, coneflowers and catmint. The sky pencils and grasses add a touch of modernity and structure. A fire table and comfy couches completes the design.
A very special Frank Lloyd Wright Sprite blesses the space with her presence.
Bulkheads and HVAC units are always a challenge, but we managed to dress it all up with a beautiful Venus dogwood, rose of sharon and ilex. We have a long winter to think about the beautiful spring blooms to come!
Thanks to my design partner Ken Dietz, http://www.dietzandassociates.com for his superb input and design sense. Thanks to the Nettos for the beautiful masonry and to Lorena, Thiatyra, Thor, Gustavo and Stepfania for incredible work as always in rain, wind and…snow!!!! As always, a shoutout to Just Roses for the fantastic rose garden and to Suburban Lawn for mood lighting. An extra special thank you to our clients for their patience and goodwill during a pandemic, election and snowstorm in October!