This residence is the site of a Charles Goodman house, first owned by a local journalist and his singer/songwriter wife. Since the ‘80s, the house had been left in disrepair until a passionate new owner (who also spent a career in journalism) purchased the property, with plans to renovate the existing house, as well as build a garage and guest suite.

The programmatic goals for the landscape were to establish more areas for outdoor living, to establish a pool nearer the residence (the original pool – long abandoned - was at the bottom of the steeply sloped property), create outdoor eating and lounging opportunities and to create a space for a fire element. And perhaps most importantly, the client had plans (which are now in practice) to host summer house concerts, featuring small acts/songwriters, further honoring the house’s previous residents.

The rear terrace is regraded to provide a flat lawn expanse and lap pool/spa. An outdoor bar - designed by the architect- makes use of a former utility space.

The aesthetic goals for the landscape were to be faithful to the mid-century aesthetic of the house, while incorporating mostly native plants that were deer resistant and provided year- round bee habitat. Oversized pieces of bluestone mimic the concrete pavers synonymous with mid-century landscapes in warmer climates; masses of ostrich fern and horsetail reed provide lushness to contrast with the otherwise linear site plan.