Overgrown evergreens hid the house foundation

Low retaining walls, brick paving & plantings

Before construction

Limestone steps invite visitors up to the porch.

An empty front yard

A retaining wall & steps handle the small grade change

The original foundation bed & lawn sloped too much

Retaining walls created larger planting beds and the side yard was re-graded as a play area

Along the driveway, before construction

Hardy plantings along the drive were selected to take winter snow loads

New plantings reveal the beautiful architecture

The front garden before construction

An old stone wall was crumbling

Conceptual sketch for new entrance walls, gate & fence

Entrance walls, gate & decorative fencing

The new gate is centered on the living room window

The owners asked for a small & private front patio in this space

Secondary entry gate

The new breakfast patio in the front garden

The original concrete walk before construction

A new brick walk leads to the front door

The original back garden

Generous paths lead to a new front stoop welcoming visitors

The original back patio was very cramped

The new patios!

The original patio was crammed right up against the garage

Lively plantings between the garage and patio provide a beautiful garden setting for diners

The original back yard

The dining patio is surrounded by lush, colorful plantings

Adjoining patio for conversation

New limestone steps and railings

Cozy grilling area

A new large patio for dining with great lake views!

Lush plantings surround their sculpture

Paved "landing" at the lower level doors

A wide walkway connects the two patios

A large, gas fire table with generous seating

There are many places for seating

A deep border with hemlocks helps create privacy