Is this a shared driveway? I think I see 2 houses serviced by it. Which one is yours and what do you envision since any construction amendment is prohibited?Are you looking to use some of it as outdoor living space or just to minimize the visual impact of the asphalt? Are there any deed restrictions limiting what you can do? Give us a little more information please.

Not a shared driveway. There is a barn to the right and a stable straight ahead. The house is on the left, but not visible from this picture. Just want a visually more attractive entrance. Wish there had been a large circular planter put in before paving with perhaps a stone perimeter (the house is stone, with portions dating to the 1700s) or even a tree planted. Just looking for an inexpensive, possibly even short-term fix.

you can build a raised planter without digging for that visual interest, Maybe oval instead of round

Yes, a countrified oval version of this with the old covered wagon as main attraction. You could do it with gravel, the covered wagon and plants potted in barrel halves.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=ceader+planter+boxes&qpvt=ceader+planter+boxes&FORM=IGRE create a pattern that allows transit, but might be fun as a bike or skateboard course.

http://www.concretenetwork.com/photo-gallery/concrete-driveways_8/85085-az-arizona-creative-coatings_22804/
How about stamped concrete?

8" deep pad of quarter minus (decomposed granite =DG), I like Madison Gold color. Place a barrier on the down slope side to hold the DG and refresh it for the first 3 years as needed. Rake toward up slope to keep it in place as needed. After the first 3 years, refresh as you need to, though some drives in our area are 15 years old and have not needed refreshing after the first 3 years. Some of ours are 6 years old and we just keep it level. The torrential rain water sinks in and the drive way doesn't get muddy. The DG also is almost weed free.

Oh this place looks like a Movie set , why change it ?
Do something like this .

I like this a lot. Do you have a link to this picture? I'd love to get a better look. Thanks, everyone, for your helpful comments.

you need to look at the new tar and chips driveways. Go to you tube and check it out. Less than asphalt. I think they can put it over what you have.