PORTFOLIO | RESIDENTIAL | URBAN RETREAT

URBAN RETREAT

This client wanted to develop a family oriented backyard retreat with privacy while complementing design features with the 1860’s stone cottage home.
The main feature of the design is an in-ground spa with a natural stone waterfall rock placed into the hillside. Cascading into the spa are mixed plantings to create a grotto effect and increase privacy. The custom concrete spa features jets and benches and can hold 4 adults comfortably.
A barn beam arbor covered in wisteria provides an entrance way to the spa area and breaks up the interlocking patio. The interlocking patio wraps around 2 sides of the house and ties all parts of the yard together. Part of the patio is bordered with a dry stack natural stone wall to create a private area sheltered from the street. This area also features a large natural stone table for dining. A hand-made copper gas-fired light is also featured on the dry stack stone wall to create soft, natural night lighting for the main patio and to create timeless ambiance.
A new garage was built to mimic a stone carriage house and match the existing residence. This garage also greatly increases privacy for the spa and rear patio area. The garage also features hand-made copper gas-fired lights.
The entire property is planted mostly with native plants and has no traditional turf areas. Instead of turf, the client has planted larger open areas with white clover meadows. The boulevards are also planted with drought tolerant perennials that withstand the heat and dryness of summer as well as the salt and snow loading in the winter.
This small in-town yard has been transformed into a private, natural retreat with many unique finishing touches that tie into the traditional architecture of the historic residence.