and start saving money -- this is a big space and a big wishlist!

And a large house whose size has to be factored in so it doesn't loom over too small a patio and plantings.

You need a real andscpae designer for this no way for use to help.You do not have a flat space so it takes a lot of design work and machine work to do what you want . How big is the lot since I see a home quite close to you. Not sure why a swing in the mix . Do you plan to cook outside ? So many questions . Usually with a looming house I like decking to break up the height but not possible with all the windows and where is the door to go outside to what you call a small deck.

Your lot doesn't look flat to me. Trees and shrubs and a zen garden mean you want the entire back yard designed. That's quite a task. Unless you have the budget for it. I'd put in a wooden deck, which is the probably the cheapest option. A deck means no fireplace. I'd outline the where I want the deck with hose, string or lime and get a sense of the size.

We don't see where the back property line is, but in a smallish lot, you probably want your trees on the lot line, but you haven't shown us that or given us a sense of privacy issues.

The photo provided is inadequate for a more accurate representation of what you can do. Because of the elevation changes , more info is needed. However, here are some thoughts:

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Why a small deck? That's just a maintenance nightmare. Bring the patio up to the door with stone steps. Zen says shaded to me so you have years of tree growing to do to get to what you want. Gather some inspiration pics and hire a landscaper to mock up a long term design.

I did a design for a customer with a house similar to yours. There are many ways this can be done to give you an idea this was one option