We titled this project Fortitude as a description of the incredible couple to whom it belongs. In August 2016 a large area of the state was devastated by a flood that shattered records not reached in over 30 years. This home was one of the many affected. After having to endure less than professional contractors and a some medical emergencies. the couple completed the project three years later. The beautiful images you see today are a testament to their extreme fortitude and perseverance amid trying circumstances. To those who never give up hope, the results are sweeter than you can imagine.

Photos taken by Barbara Wilson, RLA A small residential, seaside property located on Saugatuck Island in Wesport was rebuilt after devastating damage by a hurricane. All that remained from the original property was the pool and pool terrace. The house was raised approximately 5 feet to meet new FEMA codes and rebuilt under the design team of the owner, a well-known interior designer. Barbara was part of the landscape architectural team that helped create a sense of place for the new house. The landscape design included the addition of new walls and steps to the front door, new custom fencing surrounding the pool, an outdoor shower, landscape lighting, a custom fountain in the back yard, a sandbox (used as a relief area for the dog) and all new plantings. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised installation of the project.

After devastating flooding damaged the entire first floor and left the walls stripped to the studs, we had the opportunity to completely reimagine the kitchen, dining room, family room, and butler’s pantry. The kitchen received an entirely new footprint—removing the dividing wall opened the space dramatically and improved flow and functionality. The former butler’s pantry was transformed into a dedicated beverage center and coffee bar, creating a hard-working hub for daily routines. In the casual dining area, we added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that expanded pantry storage and created a hidden “locker” for the kids’ homework, backpacks, and everyday essentials. In the family room, the outdated media niche was replaced with custom built-ins, adding architectural detail and much-needed storage, and the fireplace received a complete facelift to bring the whole room up to date. The result is a cohesive, modernized first floor designed for real family living—open, functional, and beautifully renewed.

After devastating flooding damaged the entire first floor and left the walls stripped to the studs, we had the opportunity to completely reimagine the kitchen, dining room, family room, and butler’s pantry. The kitchen received an entirely new footprint—removing the dividing wall opened the space dramatically and improved flow and functionality. The former butler’s pantry was transformed into a dedicated beverage center and coffee bar, creating a hard-working hub for daily routines. In the casual dining area, we added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that expanded pantry storage and created a hidden “locker” for the kids’ homework, backpacks, and everyday essentials. In the family room, the outdated media niche was replaced with custom built-ins, adding architectural detail and much-needed storage, and the fireplace received a complete facelift to bring the whole room up to date. The result is a cohesive, modernized first floor designed for real family living—open, functional, and beautifully renewed.

Custom granite walk and circular pattern for the landing to the front door. Gravel mulch used between the stones and as mulch for the adjacent planting beds. Photo taken by Barbara Wilson, RLA A small residential, seaside property located on Saugatuck Island in Wesport was rebuilt after devastating damage by a hurricane. All that remained from the original property was the pool and pool terrace. The house was raised approximately 5 feet to meet new FEMA codes and rebuilt under the design team of the owner, a well-known interior designer. Barbara was part of the landscape architectural team that helped create a sense of place for the new house. The landscape design included the addition of new walls and steps to the front door, new custom fencing surrounding the pool, an outdoor shower, landscape lighting, a custom fountain in the back yard, a sandbox (used as a relief area for the dog) and all new plantings. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised installation of the project.

Photos taken by Barbara Wilson, RLA A small residential, seaside property located on Saugatuck Island in Wesport was rebuilt after devastating damage by a hurricane. All that remained from the original property was the pool and pool terrace. The house was raised approximately 5 feet to meet new FEMA codes and rebuilt under the design team of the owner, a well-known interior designer. Barbara was part of the landscape architectural team that helped create a sense of place for the new house. The landscape design included the addition of new walls and steps to the front door, new custom fencing surrounding the pool, an outdoor shower, landscape lighting, a custom fountain in the back yard, a sandbox (used as a relief area for the dog) and all new plantings. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised installation of the project.

After devastating flooding damaged the entire first floor and left the walls stripped to the studs, we had the rare opportunity to completely reimagine the kitchen, dining room, family room, and butler’s pantry. The kitchen received an entirely new footprint—removing the dividing wall opened the space dramatically and improved flow and functionality. The former butler’s pantry was transformed into a dedicated beverage center and coffee bar, creating a hard-working hub for daily routines. In the casual dining area, we added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that expanded pantry storage and created a hidden “locker” for the kids’ homework, backpacks, and everyday essentials. In the family room, the outdated media niche was replaced with custom built-ins, adding architectural detail and much-needed storage, and the fireplace received a complete facelift to bring the whole room up to date. The result is a cohesive, modernized first floor designed for real family living—open, functional, and beautifully renewed.

Photos taken by Barbara Wilson, RLA A small residential, seaside property located on Saugatuck Island in Wesport was rebuilt after devastating damage by a hurricane. All that remained from the original property was the pool and pool terrace. The house was raised approximately 5 feet to meet new FEMA codes and rebuilt under the design team of the owner, a well-known interior designer. Barbara was part of the landscape architectural team that helped create a sense of place for the new house. The landscape design included the addition of new walls and steps to the front door, new custom fencing surrounding the pool, an outdoor shower, landscape lighting, a custom fountain in the back yard, a sandbox (used as a relief area for the dog) and all new plantings. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised installation of the project.

We titled this project Fortitude as a description of the incredible couple to whom it belongs. In August 2016 a large area of the state was devastated by a flood that shattered records not reached in over 30 years. This home was one of the many affected. After having to endure less than professional contractors and a some medical emergencies. the couple completed the project three years later. The beautiful images you see today are a testament to their extreme fortitude and perseverance amid trying circumstances. To those who never give up hope, the results are sweeter than you can imagine.

Photos taken by Barbara Wilson, RLA A small residential, seaside property located on Saugatuck Island in Wesport was rebuilt after devastating damage by a hurricane. All that remained from the original property was the pool and pool terrace. The house was raised approximately 5 feet to meet new FEMA codes and rebuilt under the design team of the owner, a well-known interior designer. Barbara was part of the landscape architectural team that helped create a sense of place for the new house. The landscape design included the addition of new walls and steps to the front door, new custom fencing surrounding the pool, an outdoor shower, landscape lighting, a custom fountain in the back yard, a sandbox (used as a relief area for the dog) and all new plantings. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised installation of the project.

After devastating flooding damaged the entire first floor and left the walls stripped to the studs, we had the rare opportunity to completely reimagine the kitchen, dining room, family room, and butler’s pantry. The kitchen received an entirely new footprint—removing the dividing wall opened the space dramatically and improved flow and functionality. The former butler’s pantry was transformed into a dedicated beverage center and coffee bar, creating a hard-working hub for daily routines. In the casual dining area, we added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that expanded pantry storage and created a hidden “locker” for the kids’ homework, backpacks, and everyday essentials. In the family room, the outdated media niche was replaced with custom built-ins, adding architectural detail and much-needed storage, and the fireplace received a complete facelift to bring the whole room up to date. The result is a cohesive, modernized first floor designed for real family living—open, functional, and beautifully renewed.

After devastating flooding damaged the entire first floor and left the walls stripped to the studs, we had the rare opportunity to completely reimagine the kitchen, dining room, family room, and butler’s pantry. The kitchen received an entirely new footprint—removing the dividing wall opened the space dramatically and improved flow and functionality. The former butler’s pantry was transformed into a dedicated beverage center and coffee bar, creating a hard-working hub for daily routines. In the casual dining area, we added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that expanded pantry storage and created a hidden “locker” for the kids’ homework, backpacks, and everyday essentials. In the family room, the outdated media niche was replaced with custom built-ins, adding architectural detail and much-needed storage, and the fireplace received a complete facelift to bring the whole room up to date. The result is a cohesive, modernized first floor designed for real family living—open, functional, and beautifully renewed.

After devastating flooding damaged the entire first floor and left the walls stripped to the studs, we had the rare opportunity to completely reimagine the kitchen, dining room, family room, and butler’s pantry. The kitchen received an entirely new footprint—removing the dividing wall opened the space dramatically and improved flow and functionality. The former butler’s pantry was transformed into a dedicated beverage center and coffee bar, creating a hard-working hub for daily routines. In the casual dining area, we added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that expanded pantry storage and created a hidden “locker” for the kids’ homework, backpacks, and everyday essentials. In the family room, the outdated media niche was replaced with custom built-ins, adding architectural detail and much-needed storage, and the fireplace received a complete facelift to bring the whole room up to date. The result is a cohesive, modernized first floor designed for real family living—open, functional, and beautifully renewed.

We titled this project Fortitude as a description of the incredible couple to whom it belongs. In August 2016 a large area of the state was devastated by a flood that shattered records not reached in over 30 years. This home was one of the many affected. After having to endure less than professional contractors and a some medical emergencies. the couple completed the project three years later. The beautiful images you see today are a testament to their extreme fortitude and perseverance amid trying circumstances. To those who never give up hope, the results are sweeter than you can imagine.

Custom colored Luna Fountain (urn) with matching bench set on granite pavers with gravel mulch. Photo taken by Barbara Wilson, RLA A small residential, seaside property located on Saugatuck Island in Wesport was rebuilt after devastating damage by a hurricane. All that remained from the original property was the pool and pool terrace. The house was raised approximately 5 feet to meet new FEMA codes and rebuilt under the design team of the owner, a well-known interior designer. Barbara was part of the landscape architectural team that helped create a sense of place for the new house. The landscape design included the addition of new walls and steps to the front door, new custom fencing surrounding the pool, an outdoor shower, landscape lighting, a custom fountain in the back yard, a sandbox (used as a relief area for the dog) and all new plantings. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised installation of the project.

Custom colored Luna Fountain (urn) with matching bench set on granite pavers with gravel mulch. Photo taken by Barbara Wilson, RLA A small residential, seaside property located on Saugatuck Island in Wesport was rebuilt after devastating damage by a hurricane. All that remained from the original property was the pool and pool terrace. The house was raised approximately 5 feet to meet new FEMA codes and rebuilt under the design team of the owner, a well-known interior designer. Barbara was part of the landscape architectural team that helped create a sense of place for the new house. The landscape design included the addition of new walls and steps to the front door, new custom fencing surrounding the pool, an outdoor shower, landscape lighting, a custom fountain in the back yard, a sandbox (used as a relief area for the dog) and all new plantings. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised installation of the project.

After devastating flooding damaged the entire first floor and left the walls stripped to the studs, we had the rare opportunity to completely reimagine the kitchen, dining room, family room, and butler’s pantry. The kitchen received an entirely new footprint—removing the dividing wall opened the space dramatically and improved flow and functionality. The former butler’s pantry was transformed into a dedicated beverage center and coffee bar, creating a hard-working hub for daily routines. In the casual dining area, we added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that expanded pantry storage and created a hidden “locker” for the kids’ homework, backpacks, and everyday essentials. In the family room, the outdated media niche was replaced with custom built-ins, adding architectural detail and much-needed storage, and the fireplace received a complete facelift to bring the whole room up to date. The result is a cohesive, modernized first floor designed for real family living—open, functional, and beautifully renewed.

After devastating flooding damaged the entire first floor and left the walls stripped to the studs, we had the rare opportunity to completely reimagine the kitchen, dining room, family room, and butler’s pantry. The kitchen received an entirely new footprint—removing the dividing wall opened the space dramatically and improved flow and functionality. The former butler’s pantry was transformed into a dedicated beverage center and coffee bar, creating a hard-working hub for daily routines. In the casual dining area, we added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that expanded pantry storage and created a hidden “locker” for the kids’ homework, backpacks, and everyday essentials. In the family room, the outdated media niche was replaced with custom built-ins, adding architectural detail and much-needed storage, and the fireplace received a complete facelift to bring the whole room up to date. The result is a cohesive, modernized first floor designed for real family living—open, functional, and beautifully renewed.