The renovations planned for this home in a densely populated neighborhood in Newton presented new opportunities for how the house could connect more gracefully to the surrounding landscape.  With a close collaboration with the architects, the new additions, including a basement level garage and a kitchen expansion, were connected seamlessly to the outdoor living spaces.

Working with a nearly six foot grade change from the back door of the house to the play lawn, a series of stepped terraces were designed to comfortably navigate the elevation change.  An outdoor dining pavilion was situated at the highest elevation to provide views overlooking the busy play lawn.  A spa, nestled in a garden setting near the house, provides year-round enjoyment for the family.  A terrace set close to the lawn elevation provides a casual setting for entertaining. Sloped beds planted with a variety of trees, flowering shrubs, and perennials surround these terraces and provide a gentle transition between the upper and lower elevations.

At the front of the home, a symmetrical lawn surrounded by a garden was designed to reflect the traditional architecture and provide much needed separation from the street.  A lush entry garden pathway flanked by a grove of Magnolia trees provides a memorable entrance for guests while screening the driveway from the front door.

Existing plantings throughout the property were enhanced with a variety of evergreens and flowering shrubs to provide year-round privacy to the neighboring properties and lend to the park-like setting of the home.

Collaborators: LDa Architecture and Interiors