This client wanted interest throughout the seasons and to keep maintenance as reasonable possible. ( yes, we did install a deer fence). They asked for formal and informal spaces to entertain, places for kids to swim, sled and run, and create interesting views of the property from interior rooms...........
The property for this is a hill with 25 foot elevation sloping in two directions down toward the house.
The photo illustrates the elevation change, we are only standing half way up the hill! The mountain of soil mixed with construction debris you see is what was left as the "rough grade".
These retaining walls were essential to sculpting the hillside and creating usable space.
A knot garden in this terrace, gives this area interest, even when there is nothing in bloom. It is a focal point from, the guest house balcony, kitchen, upstairs master bedroom, and pool.
The pool area is close to kitchen and a downstairs bath without taking over the space. We installed a blue stone patio off the living room and center hall that allows a more formal entertaining area. A hedge and dwarf crab apple trees separate this patio from pool area without overwhelming. Again, a stucco wall with blue stone cap retain the slope and define pool area on side away from house.
The top picture shows the lawn area for kids to play in the summer and sled in the winter. In the distance are terraced grass stairs that lead to small garden room and to the beginning of a trail the circles the wooded area at the top of property.
Bottom picture is from a blue stone patio installed next to tennis court looking back down to pool area.
