Our firm had been engaged on this 12-acre property outside of Boston for several years when the client decided to replace the existing Greek Revival house with a significantly larger one. The client’s history with the site, as well as our own, strongly influenced the design. The goal was to balance formal and naturalistic elements, creating spaces that felt both traditional and contemporary. The design embraces the varied topography and preserves mature specimen trees. Richly textured granite walls and stairs define garden spaces adjacent to the house. These bold, simple gardens extend the scale and geometry of the architecture into the landscape and contrast with the soft, wooded surroundings. Play lawns, a pool, and indoor and outdoor tennis courts, tucked along a meandering drive, fulfill the client’s desire for ample recreation spaces.

2011 BSLA Merit Award, 2010 Bulfinch Award
Collaborators: Dell Mitchell Architects
Images: Jane Messinger, LJLA