Master bedroom with access onto exterior deck that both frames views to landscape and leads down to new patio courtyard between new addition and existing house. The idea is one can be in bed and feel like surrounding by trees and sky. Intended to be a calm and relaxing environment. Mark Schatz

The French Villa’s stone exterior and arched French double doors set the tone for the elegant courtyard beyond. Surrounded by brick & masonry, the space features a grass and paver design with porcelain pavers leading to a cozy outdoor seating area. A cantera stone fireplace with an ornate stone mantle and carved overmantel wall feature serves as a striking focal point, framed by lantern-style exterior wall sconces. Across the courtyard, a French-inspired fountain with a quatrefoil basin adds a touch of serenity. Wrought iron balconies, exposed raft

Located in the Lafayette Square Historic District, this garage is built to strict historical guidelines and to match the existing historical residence built by Horace Bigsby a renowned steamboat captain and Mark twain's prodigy. It is no ordinary garage complete with rooftop oasis, spiral staircase, Low voltage lighting and Sonos wireless home sound system.

A long curved driveway and winding walkway adorned with artificial sod lead to the porte-cochere of this magnificent home in Paradise Valley. Groupings of plants with boulders are in the center island and in the planters on either side.

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Scott Simpson Large scale project began with the natural stone English style garden on the island with a water fountain as a central feature. The backyard was terraced to provide a more even surface for weekend sports with the children. The terracing was framed near the house with a 3 foot deep channel that will hold koi. On one side is a fire pit with amphitheater style seating and the other side opens up for the koi. There is an edible garden and butterfly garden as well. The entrance is punctuated with a large 10 foot diameter fountain. The entire landscape is on automated lighting with underwater lighting as well.

Eclectic botanical home by landscape designer Rob Hill
Example of a small eclectic side yard stone patio kitchen design in San Diego with no cover

Character infuses every inch of this elegant Claypit Hill estate from its magnificent courtyard with drive-through porte-cochere to the private 5.58 acre grounds. Luxurious amenities include a stunning gunite pool, tennis court, two-story barn and a separate garage; four garage spaces in total. The pool house with a kitchenette and full bath is a sight to behold and showcases a cedar shiplap cathedral ceiling and stunning stone fireplace. The grand 1910 home is welcoming and designed for fine entertaining. The private library is wrapped in cherry panels and custom cabinetry. The formal dining and living room parlors lead to a sensational sun room. The country kitchen features a window filled breakfast area that overlooks perennial gardens and patio. An impressive family room addition is accented with a vaulted ceiling and striking stone fireplace. Enjoy the pleasures of refined country living in this memorable landmark home.

The rear yard of this urban home takes maximizes the tight, 25' wide lot by having all of the rooms look out over the yard. The walkout basement exits into a sunken courtyard which leads up to the backyard. A fountain is set on one side of the yard - the color is enhanced by bright blue paint within the fountain. The well landscaped yard is an urban paradise!

This San Diego remodel cuts back on the water bill and concrete and drought resistance plants were planted to keep its natural beauty with easy maintenance. The concrete pathways leading to the side/backyard create a zen flow with privacy from the front entrance gate. What a way to utilize the front yard space! www.choosechi.com. Photos by Scott Basile, Basile Photography.

Patio - mediterranean tile patio idea in Los Angeles with no cover

Our client was drawn to the property in Wesley Heights as it was in an established neighborhood of stately homes, on a quiet street with views of park. They wanted a traditional home for their young family with great entertaining spaces that took full advantage of the site. The site was the challenge. The natural grade of the site was far from traditional. The natural grade at the rear of the property was about thirty feet above the street level. Large mature trees provided shade and needed to be preserved. The solution was sectional. The first floor level was elevated from the street by 12 feet, with French doors facing the park. We created a courtyard at the first floor level that provide an outdoor entertaining space, with French doors that open the home to the courtyard.. By elevating the first floor level, we were able to allow on-grade parking and a private direct entrance to the lower level pub "Mulligans". An arched passage affords access to the courtyard from a shared driveway with the neighboring homes, while the stone fountain provides a focus. A sweeping stone stair anchors one of the existing mature trees that was preserved and leads to the elevated rear garden. The second floor master suite opens to a sitting porch at the level of the upper garden, providing the third level of outdoor space that can be used for the children to play. The home's traditional language is in context with its neighbors, while the design allows each of the three primary levels of the home to relate directly to the outside. Builder: Peterson & Collins, Inc Photos © Anice Hoachlander

This screened porch is a huge place to relax whether sitting by the fire with a good book, watching a movie with your spouse, playing a game with the family or entertaining guests. It leads out to a courtyard sitting area and covered patio complete with outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Our client was drawn to the property in Wesley Heights as it was in an established neighborhood of stately homes, on a quiet street with views of park. They wanted a traditional home for their young family with great entertaining spaces that took full advantage of the site. The site was the challenge. The natural grade of the site was far from traditional. The natural grade at the rear of the property was about thirty feet above the street level. Large mature trees provided shade and needed to be preserved. The solution was sectional. The first floor level was elevated from the street by 12 feet, with French doors facing the park. We created a courtyard at the first floor level that provide an outdoor entertaining space, with French doors that open the home to the courtyard.. By elevating the first floor level, we were able to allow on-grade parking and a private direct entrance to the lower level pub "Mulligans". An arched passage affords access to the courtyard from a shared driveway with the neighboring homes, while the stone fountain provides a focus. A sweeping stone stair anchors one of the existing mature trees that was preserved and leads to the elevated rear garden. The second floor master suite opens to a sitting porch at the level of the upper garden, providing the third level of outdoor space that can be used for the children to play. The home's traditional language is in context with its neighbors, while the design allows each of the three primary levels of the home to relate directly to the outside. Builder: Peterson & Collins, Inc Photos © Anice Hoachlander

A long curved driveway and winding walkway adorned with artificial sod lead to the porte-cochere of this magnificent home in Paradise Valley. Groupings of plants with boulders are in the center island and in the planters on either side.

Kitchen coutryard. The kitchen was renovated to extend a further 4 feet out into the patio area. French doors open up onto the granite patio, central pond with granite cap seatwall. Granite slab stairs lead up to level lawn terrace.

This custom-made cedar gate leads to a beautiful secret garden.
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse courtyard garden path in Sacramento.

A pair of beautiful garden gates leading to a scenic trail and sitting area behind the residence. The gates include hand forged scroll work with flower details in a French design. They are finished with a verdigris patina. To see more http://facebook.com/grizzlyiron

EUROPEAN MODERN MASTERPIECE! Exceptionally crafted by Sudderth Design. RARE private, OVERSIZED LOT steps from Exclusive OKC Golf and Country Club on PREMIER Wishire Blvd in Nichols Hills. Experience majestic courtyard upon entering the residence. Aesthetic Purity at its finest! Over-sized island in Chef's kitchen. EXPANSIVE living areas that serve as magnets for social gatherings. HIGH STYLE EVERYTHING..From fixtures, to wall paint/paper, hardware, hardwoods, and stones. PRIVATE Master Retreat with sitting area, fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to spacious covered patio. Master bath is STUNNING! Floor to Ceiling marble with ENORMOUS closet. Moving glass wall system in living area leads to BACKYARD OASIS with 40 foot covered patio, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, outdoor bath, and premier pool w/sun pad and hot tub! Well thought out OPEN floor plan has EVERYTHING! 3 car garage with 6 car motor court. THE PLACE TO BE...PICTURESQUE, private retreat.