build a deck.

Right now the deck is going to be 40w x 17d (680 sq ft). If we add the master area to it, it will be massive. We were hoping to make the master area separate from the main deck. But open to anything.

If you make the deck massive, you can always use planters and trellises to create privacy, but then you will have the option to spread out when you have a party! If your budget is not constrained, you could put in a spa/ water feature...but not under the fruit trees!

"Right now the deck is going to be..." You need to show us the plan. Can't really add onto what we can't see. We should also see the whole space in a single scene. You can either take a panorama using camera feature, or show the same thing by taking a series of slightly overlapping pictures while you STAND AT ONE LOCATION and pivot the camera. The place to stand would be opposite the bump-out, as far from the house as you can get while staying at the same level.

how about planting hostas

Yardvaark... here is my pano. The pano shows it as curved due to the fact it’s on a hill and I can’t go further back. Thanks!

Here is the picture with the deck area.

Consider using trellis with vine or espaliered plants to create some separation from the master bedroom deck/patio. I would not keep every "tree"/bush in that area unless it has a decent form. Some of those plants have a lopsided structure in the extreme.

You might want some planting at areas between the deck and house in order to keep it from seeming sterile and institutional.

Install a pretty private garden, perhaps with a step down from the rest of the deck if you want it to be connected.

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IMO deck would be the perfect answer and BTW I have 2300 sq ft of deck and have never thoughti is too much

Thank you! Tara, I have not seen those photos, nice ideas. Patricia, would love to see your deck. Yaardvark, plants on the deck are a great idea. I can’t put anything tall like a trellis since there are views from all the windows, I was thinking containers.

What is your geographic location? I would do a deck as mentioned, and then do a grass pathway through flower beds, if there is enough room.

Plant Lady...I am Southern California coastal. Climate Zone 24, marine influenced So Cal Coast. Planting Zone 11a.

Actually it’s 10b

Seems you'd do well to consider some xeriscaping here. Separate a wrap around deck into zones with plantings similar to what surrounds this one.

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Once upon a time we lived in SoCal, and twenty years later I still miss our garden there. If you do containers, you will want to plan to
Irrigate them before you build the deck! Will a deck be more or less expensive than a concrete patio? Because critters sometimes live under decks! It’s so hard to find mature trees in SoCal, I would try really hard to prevent what you have, get them pruned by someone, not the mow and blow guys!

"I can’t put anything tall like a trellis since there are views from all the windows ..."

You haven't provided any information about views.

well you might be able to find some citrus to put by the windows because the thorns will discourage intruders