The swimming pond with some of the original shade houses create a magical space of entertainment and play. Photographed by David Lauer Photography
Example of a mountain style backyard round natural pool design in Denver

Example of a trendy backyard rectangular lap hot tub design in Miami

A collection of 32 single-family homes in San Juan Capistrano. Rich in detail and luxury amenities, The Oaks Farms delivers expansive floor plans, a unique blend of indoor/outdoor living and views of a historic world-class equestrian center located just steps from your home.

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

Astonishing luxury and resort-like amenities in this gated, entirely private, and newly-refinished, approximately 14,000 square foot residence on approximately 1.4 level acres. The living quarters comprise the five-bedroom, five full, and three half-bath main residence; the separate two-level, one bedroom, one and one-half bath guest house with kitchenette; and the separate one bedroom, one bath au pair apartment. The luxurious amenities include the curved pool, spa, sauna and steam room, tennis court, large level lawns and manicured gardens, recreation/media room with adjacent wine cellar, elevator to all levels of the main residence, four-car enclosed garage, three-car carport, and large circular motor court. The stunning main residence provides exciting entry doors and impressive foyer with grand staircase and chandelier, large formal living and dining rooms, paneled library, and dream-like kitchen/family area. The en-suite bedrooms are large with generous closet space and the master suite offers a huge lounge and fireplace. The sweeping views from this property include Mount Tamalpais, Sausalito, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the East Bay. Few homes in Marin County can offer the rare combination of privacy, captivating views, and resort-like amenities in newly finished, modern detail. Total of seven bedrooms, seven full, and four half baths. 185 Gimartin Drive Tiburon CA Presented by Bill Bullock and Lydia Sarkissian Decker Bullock Sotheby's International Realty www.deckerbullocksir.com

modern open air kitchen and landscape design by merge studio © ramsay photography
Large minimalist backyard gravel and rectangular lap pool house photo in San Francisco

The Indio Residence, located on an ocean side bluff in Shell Beach, is a clean, contemporary home. Taking cues from the Florin Residence, an earlier project completed for the same client, the Indio Residence is much larger with additional amenities to meet the client’s needs. At the front door, guests are greeted by floor to ceiling glass with views straight out to the ocean. Tall, grand ceilings throughout the entry and great room are highlighted by skylights, allowing for a naturally lit interior. The open concept floor plan helps highlight the custom details such as the glass encased wine room and floor to ceiling ocean-facing glass. In order to maintain a sense of privacy, the master suite and guests rooms are located on opposite wings of the home. Ideal for entertaining, this layout allows for maximum privacy and shared space alike. Additionally, a privately accessed caretakers apartment is located above the garage, complete with a living room, kitchenette, and ocean facing deck.

Inspiration for a huge modern rooftop deck remodel in Miami with no cover

"Round Hill," created with the concept of a private, exquisite and exclusive resort, and designed for the discerning Buyer who seeks absolute privacy, security and luxurious accommodations for family, guests and staff, this just-completed resort-compound offers an extraordinary blend of amenity, location and attention to every detail. Ideally located between Napa, Yountville and downtown St. Helena, directly across from Quintessa Winery, and minutes from the finest, world-class Napa wineries, Round Hill occupies the 21+ acre hilltop that overlooks the incomparable wine­ producing region of the Napa Valley, and is within walking distance to the world famous Auberge du Soleil. An approximately 10,000 square foot main residence with two guest suites and private staff apartment, approximately 1,700-bottle wine cellar, gym, steam room and sauna, elevator, luxurious master suite with his and her baths, dressing areas and sitting room/study, and the stunning kitchen/family/great room adjacent the west-facing, sun-drenched, view-side terrace with covered outdoor kitchen and sparkling infinity pool, all embracing the unsurpassed view of the richly verdant Napa Valley. Separate two-bedroom, two en-suite-bath guest house and separate one-bedroom, one and one-half bath guest cottage. Total of seven bedrooms, nine full and three half baths and requiring five uninterrupted years of concept, design and development, this resort-estate is now offered fully furnished and accessorized. Quintessential resort living.

Inspiration for a rustic backyard pond in Salt Lake City.

The Indio Residence, located on an ocean side bluff in Shell Beach, is a clean, contemporary home. Taking cues from the Florin Residence, an earlier project completed for the same client, the Indio Residence is much larger with additional amenities to meet the client’s needs. At the front door, guests are greeted by floor to ceiling glass with views straight out to the ocean. Tall, grand ceilings throughout the entry and great room are highlighted by skylights, allowing for a naturally lit interior. The open concept floor plan helps highlight the custom details such as the glass encased wine room and floor to ceiling ocean-facing glass. In order to maintain a sense of privacy, the master suite and guests rooms are located on opposite wings of the home. Ideal for entertaining, this layout allows for maximum privacy and shared space alike. Additionally, a privately accessed caretakers apartment is located above the garage, complete with a living room, kitchenette, and ocean facing deck.

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

The Indio Residence, located on an ocean side bluff in Shell Beach, is a clean, contemporary home. Taking cues from the Florin Residence, an earlier project completed for the same client, the Indio Residence is much larger with additional amenities to meet the client’s needs. At the front door, guests are greeted by floor to ceiling glass with views straight out to the ocean. Tall, grand ceilings throughout the entry and great room are highlighted by skylights, allowing for a naturally lit interior. The open concept floor plan helps highlight the custom details such as the glass encased wine room and floor to ceiling ocean-facing glass. In order to maintain a sense of privacy, the master suite and guests rooms are located on opposite wings of the home. Ideal for entertaining, this layout allows for maximum privacy and shared space alike. Additionally, a privately accessed caretakers apartment is located above the garage, complete with a living room, kitchenette, and ocean facing deck.

"Round Hill," created with the concept of a private, exquisite and exclusive resort, and designed for the discerning Buyer who seeks absolute privacy, security and luxurious accommodations for family, guests and staff, this just-completed resort-compound offers an extraordinary blend of amenity, location and attention to every detail. Ideally located between Napa, Yountville and downtown St. Helena, directly across from Quintessa Winery, and minutes from the finest, world-class Napa wineries, Round Hill occupies the 21+ acre hilltop that overlooks the incomparable wine­ producing region of the Napa Valley, and is within walking distance to the world famous Auberge du Soleil. An approximately 10,000 square foot main residence with two guest suites and private staff apartment, approximately 1,700-bottle wine cellar, gym, steam room and sauna, elevator, luxurious master suite with his and her baths, dressing areas and sitting room/study, and the stunning kitchen/family/great room adjacent the west-facing, sun-drenched, view-side terrace with covered outdoor kitchen and sparkling infinity pool, all embracing the unsurpassed view of the richly verdant Napa Valley. Separate two-bedroom, two en-suite-bath guest house and separate one-bedroom, one and one-half bath guest cottage. Total of seven bedrooms, nine full and three half baths and requiring five uninterrupted years of concept, design and development, this resort-estate is now offered fully furnished and accessorized. Quintessential resort living.

"Round Hill," created with the concept of a private, exquisite and exclusive resort, and designed for the discerning Buyer who seeks absolute privacy, security and luxurious accommodations for family, guests and staff, this just-completed resort-compound offers an extraordinary blend of amenity, location and attention to every detail. Ideally located between Napa, Yountville and downtown St. Helena, directly across from Quintessa Winery, and minutes from the finest, world-class Napa wineries, Round Hill occupies the 21+ acre hilltop that overlooks the incomparable wine­ producing region of the Napa Valley, and is within walking distance to the world famous Auberge du Soleil. An approximately 10,000 square foot main residence with two guest suites and private staff apartment, approximately 1,700-bottle wine cellar, gym, steam room and sauna, elevator, luxurious master suite with his and her baths, dressing areas and sitting room/study, and the stunning kitchen/family/great room adjacent the west-facing, sun-drenched, view-side terrace with covered outdoor kitchen and sparkling infinity pool, all embracing the unsurpassed view of the richly verdant Napa Valley. Separate two-bedroom, two en-suite-bath guest house and separate one-bedroom, one and one-half bath guest cottage. Total of seven bedrooms, nine full and three half baths and requiring five uninterrupted years of concept, design and development, this resort-estate is now offered fully furnished and accessorized. Quintessential resort living.

We designed a small space in the lower garden for the clients to enjoy the view.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern shade front yard gravel landscaping in San Francisco for summer.

"Round Hill," created with the concept of a private, exquisite and exclusive resort, and designed for the discerning Buyer who seeks absolute privacy, security and luxurious accommodations for family, guests and staff, this just-completed resort-compound offers an extraordinary blend of amenity, location and attention to every detail. Ideally located between Napa, Yountville and downtown St. Helena, directly across from Quintessa Winery, and minutes from the finest, world-class Napa wineries, Round Hill occupies the 21+ acre hilltop that overlooks the incomparable wine­ producing region of the Napa Valley, and is within walking distance to the world famous Auberge du Soleil. An approximately 10,000 square foot main residence with two guest suites and private staff apartment, approximately 1,700-bottle wine cellar, gym, steam room and sauna, elevator, luxurious master suite with his and her baths, dressing areas and sitting room/study, and the stunning kitchen/family/great room adjacent the west-facing, sun-drenched, view-side terrace with covered outdoor kitchen and sparkling infinity pool, all embracing the unsurpassed view of the richly verdant Napa Valley. Separate two-bedroom, two en-suite-bath guest house and separate one-bedroom, one and one-half bath guest cottage. Total of seven bedrooms, nine full and three half baths and requiring five uninterrupted years of concept, design and development, this resort-estate is now offered fully furnished and accessorized. Quintessential resort living.

pool house pizza oven, bar, fireplace, pool, retaining walls, pergola.
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard stone patio kitchen design in DC Metro with a pergola

An existing home on Hunts Point was in need of a landscape renovation. SCJ Studio transformed the existing, uneven and small pool terrace from “afterthought” to an expansive outdoor amenity oasis with a built in gas firepit, ipe deck on a single level, and included a new privacy fence, raised corten steel planters and dramatic lighting. A new side garden with play lawn for the kids included raised cedar planting beds, crushed granite steel edged walkways, lighting and thoughtful planting. Photo: Andrew Webb