Woodland Retreat

Partnered with Landscape Architect: Sue Jacobs Grant

From the moment the clients purchased their home, they loved the house but knew the grounds had tremendous potential for improvement.

After completing several smaller projects, they decided to take on a major outdoor transformation. The journey began with a custom deck and a natural stone patio. Once that was completed, they took time to enjoy the new space and its beautiful views. As they reflected on their vision for the property, it became clear that they wanted a natural, pastoral landscape—one that blended organic elements with inviting spaces to entertain friends and family.

When we were introduced to the property, the land was difficult to navigate, fragmented, and not an enjoyable space. Our work began with extensive tree removal and pruning, with the goal of maintaining a wooded feel while opening the canopy to let in sunlight. Once the tree work was completed, we regraded the land around the house, ensuring a smooth, rolling terrain that made the space easily walkable.

The next phase involved constructing over 300 tons of natural wall stone and limestone slabs, further regrading the grounds to create a more functional and continuous outdoor area.

To enhance the experience of the ravine views, we constructed two dedicated spaces: a small, private sitting area nestled among the hemlock trees and a larger fire pit area, perfect for gatherings, overlooking the bend in the stream below.

Some of the most unique and fun additions included a hillside specifically designed for winter sledding and a dedicated play area featuring a custom-built playset. Large natural boulders were also incorporated into the space, providing an adventurous element for younger family members to explore.

Late in the process, the clients decided to add a small pool to further enhance the outdoor experience. Seamlessly integrated into the existing patio, the pool features a custom automatic cover, eliminating the need for fencing and maintaining an open, unobstructed aesthetic.

As a finishing touch, we introduced carefully curated planting pockets and native trees to complement the landscape. To ensure the space could be enjoyed at all hours, we installed a low-voltage lighting system, enhancing both safety and ambiance. Finally, the entire work area was sodded, allowing the clients to fully enjoy their transformed outdoor retreat immediately.

Woodland Retreat

Next Project

Pollinator Garden