This log construction home is on a mountain top with spectacular views of the Champlain Valley, Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. A comprehensive design incorporated the client's wish to maintain views, complement the home's rustic architecture and create a lush landscape, despite the harsh site conditions and extensive ledge rock.

Substantial amounts of topsoil and a series of retaining walls created terraced livable spaces. Irregular bluestone walkways and terrace, with granite cobblestone driveway pavers, are functional and enhance the home's rustic style. A large irregular bluestone terrace and fieldstone wall expand the back living area. Stone slab stairs are integrated into the slopes to give easy access throughout the property. One set of stairs leads to a rustic fire pit surrounded by sitting boulders. Specific ledge outcroppings were left exposed in the lawn areas and they undulate up organically through the turf to provide visual interest.

To keep the spectacular views from the back of the home, plantings were kept low and many were planted in pockets created within the ledge rock. In the front of the home planting beds were designed to border and partly enclose the area, creating an intimate and inviting space. Plantings of 'Heritage' River Birch have cinnamon colored exfoliating bark that reflect the log home's color and texture. Generous planting beds with large groupings of plant material reflect the scale of the home and site, and anchor the structure.
Through the arrangement and diversity of hardscapes and plant material, unique displays unfold to create experiences for each season, and enhance this dramatic property.