An expansive bluestone terrace which projected off the back of this Georgian colonial home was the limit of the outdoor use area for this family. The client’s desire to expand from this space and branch out into their underutilized lawn area beyond was the focus of this project.

During the design phase, the sites sloping profile provided an opportunity to create a framework for the garden. To continue the harmony of lines between the residence and the new garden space, a small brick retaining wall was built along the perimeter and repeated along the existing bluestone terrace. This wall, beyond offering a clean solution to a change in grade, affords a strong foundation for the newly planted garden scene. Continuing along the existing terrace, the wall doubles as additional seating when any occasion requires it and creates several defined points of egress to welcome you into a delightful rose garden.

Once in the rose garden, stepping stones lead you to the new gunite spa whose spillway and terrace are nestled within another garden. The planting provide a sense of privacy from the main terrace and become an integral part of the overall composition when strolling through the garden.

The raised bluestone terrace surrounding the gunite spa functions as a lounging space and is covered by a custom overhead pergola.

The spa’s spillway cascades into the reflecting pool and provides a calming white noise which helps create the setting to relax and unwind in after a long day.

The overall effect of integrating the residential architecture and terrace to the new space provided the clients with a seamless landscape that completes rather than competes with what existed. Proportion between hardscape and softscape successfully satisfies the client’s need to venture out and enjoy their garden.