Higher Ground: 6 Spectacular Landscapes
From Hollywood to Grecian shores, these landscapes have a field day with color, style and unparalleled views
We have toured some stunning landscapes here at Houzz over the past few years. From a garden on a Greek island to a bocce ball court overlooking the Pacific Ocean, from a small front yard in the Hollywood Hills to a grand estate in the Berkshires, all of these landscapes wow. Each has a special relationship to the home, the property and the greater context. Get ideas for planting season from six special properties.
This stunning Greek garden on the island of Paros was designed to look as if it had always been there.
Purple, blue, pink and white flowers, including the tall African lily and pink society garlic are spread between the house and the ocean edge of the property.
There's nothing like saving the best for last; here is the view from the house across the gardens to the Aegean Sea.
See the rest of this landscape
See the rest of this landscape
At Edith Wharton's former home, The Mount, there are many different moods created by the landscapes. The closer they are to the house, the more formal they are.
A stone staircase surrounded by ferns takes visitors from the wooded entry to the more formal gardens.
A long axis lined in linden trees connects the two formal gardens.
The secret garden has a more rustic aesthetic than its counterpart. It's sunken, uses boulders and keeps a white and green color palette.
See more of The Mount's landscape | Tour inside The Mount
See more of The Mount's landscape | Tour inside The Mount
This breathtaking property on California's central coast takes full advantage of views of Morrow Bay. It straddles the line between manicured and untamed, with native plants and careful color selection connecting built pieces to the unbuilt landscape.
A system of meandering paths connects the house to the estuary literally and figuratively (in its colors and sinuousness), and the design provides spots to sit in solitude and enjoy the view.
Thick cushions, colorful throw pillows and a sophisticated rug bring indoor design comfort out to the deck.
A large dining table is a favorite spot for friends to gather on warm nights.
See the rest of this cozy front yard
See the rest of this cozy front yard
These two cabins were designed to work with the slope of a wooded Mill Valley, California, site.
The two studios, built in lieu of an attached addition onto the main house, tread lightly on the land, with a rooftop providing the space to garden.
Learn more about rooftop gardens and green roofs
Learn more about rooftop gardens and green roofs
The experience of traveling from the main house to either cabin was carefully considered; factors included slopes, materials, width and places to stop and enjoy the view.
See more of these cabins, including some peeks inside
See more of these cabins, including some peeks inside
This home sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Aptos, California. A beautifully planned entry court provides a peek at the ocean through the front door.
As you round the corner, you see the bocce ball court in the foreground and the ocean beyond. There is also an outdoor kitchen that includes a pizza oven.
This large, troughlike fountain provides a visual boundary at the edge of the cliff.
See the rest of this landscape
More: Browse landscape design photos
Unexpected Edible Gardens
Great Design Plant: Golden Creeping Jenny
Magical Garden Paths
See the rest of this landscape
More: Browse landscape design photos
Unexpected Edible Gardens
Great Design Plant: Golden Creeping Jenny
Magical Garden Paths