After two years of trying to adapt their family’s lifestyle to a newly purchased country weekend retreat, an hour north of the City, they ultimately realized renovation inside and out was necessary. Working within the existing footprint, their Architect reorganized and updated the residence, while as Landscape Architects, our office gave new life to the exterior spaces and overall setting.
A dated partially elevated pool, with old wood decking and deteriorating brick steps was hidden behind an overgrown privet hedge and totally out of context with the property’s pastoral setting. While our clients were open to removing it all, we took a new approach: replacing the decking with a masonry patio terrace, while adding a separate year-round spa and covered pavilion. A two-sided fireplace and adjacent outdoor kitchen now anchor and complete a series of newly created interconnected entertainment spaces.
The original house and yard suffered from on-going minor flooding issues which were addressed through our newly installed drainage system and adjacent bio-retention rain garden. An awkward entry drive loop was redesigned allowing for adequate circulation and drop-off. Original site plantings were assessed, with newly added plantings selected for site relevance, native appropriateness and year-long seasonal interest.