The clients came to us with a bold vision: a show-stopping backyard that would be the jewel of the neighborhood. They wanted a space that could host family gatherings, neighborhood celebrations, and even wedding events for their daughter. From the first site visit, it was clear that the dramatic grade changes would be both the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity. Rather than fight the elevations, we embraced them, making them the foundation of the design.
At the heart of the project is an in-ground pool featuring a swim-up bar that shares the same bartop as the bar inside the sunken kitchen. This kitchen, sheltered beneath an ornate estate-style pavilion, includes a masonry bar and cooking area designed to maximize entertainment. Adjacent to it, a cozy living space with a gas fire pit offers a more intimate retreat, perfect for watching the sunset over the pool.
A few steps up, the ultimate wood-burning fire pit anchors the backyard. Oversized and square in form, it doubles as a central hub, with the pool coping providing additional seating. Flames from this sentinel fire pit can be seen from anywhere in the yard, creating a dramatic focal point. To balance fire with water, a square hot tub sits just above the pool level, spilling into the pool below. The interplay of fire and water adds both irony and artistry, while the sun lounge opposite the pool provides a vantage point to take in the entire scene against the woodland backdrop.
Because the lot was newly developed, the landscape required careful attention to scale and privacy. Native deciduous trees and evergreens were introduced to frame the property and shield it from neighbors. Repetition of hydrangea, grasses, and holly softened the hardscape, adding seasonal interest, movement, and ecological value. Outdoor lighting elevated the design further, with integrated fixtures highlighting the intricate masonry, granite stairs, and countertops, while guiding circulation through lawn spaces and organized planting beds.
This project demanded technical precision and creative problem-solving. Elevation changes were captured and celebrated through functional design, while masonry details, drainage solutions, and lighting integration required meticulous execution. The result is a backyard that is both complex and sophisticated, seamlessly blending entertainment, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Today, this space has become the centerpiece of the clients’ lives. It has hosted countless family gatherings, birthdays, neighborhood events, and wedding celebrations. More than just a backyard, it is a dynamic landscape that delivers joy, connection, and lasting memories.
