Can you post a picture showing the entire back of the house? I wouldn't use gravel. Becomes weedy and it is difficult to use tables and chairs on it. Also hard on bare feet.

I'd agree.....rethink the gravel surface. Pavers or flagstone would be a better and more durable choice of materials.

Also, 55'x30' is a massive size for a patio or outdoor entertaining area. That's bigger than many folks' entire backyard! You could reduce that by almost 50% and still have plenty of room for the elements you wish.

Having the patio usable 3 out of 4 seasons may depend heavily on where you are located, perhaps requiring some sort of overhead cover to protect against excess sun or inclement weather. Hiring a designer to assist you with this project is probably a smart thing to do.

You have a very generous space with terrific potential. I agree with @callirhoe123 that gravel might not be the ideal surface however if your build needs to be phased, install a gravel base suited for flagstone or pavers later.

Linked is our paver patio which is 26x24 plus the firepit. Built in 1998. Possibly ideas for planning.

https://youtu.be/yh0ZL-PwsMQ

Thank you @fnmroberts ! Beautiful backyard you have there! Will have to be phased as we purchased the house 2 years ago and had to invest way more to fix "flipper" issues.. your paver patio is the ideal end solution!

@callirhoe123 the entire backyard is approximately .6 acre with alot of wild trees/etc (near a state park) so we would only use about half of the yard with a scheduled spring pool install on the left of the asphalt. @gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) yes may need to call in the professionals, we have a large family so haven't ruled out multiple seating areas but we have a historical land limit where we can only cover 30% of the property so trying to re-purpose what's there.

Do you like to garden? If so, when the paving comes up, I would leave 4 feet or so along the fence for a perennial border. Or, a mixed shrub border for less work.

It is a bit difficult to suggest layout without seeing the way it relates to the house. Where are the driveway, the kitchen, and doors? will you want a spot for a grill?

I am another vote for a surface that is not gravel, but is at least somewhat permeable.