A Backyard Retreat
Darien, Connecticut
-
Bordered by box, rhododendron, azalea and hydrangea, a new thermal top bluestone walkway leads to the front entrance. Smaller perennials, including astilbe, nepeta and Japanese forest grass, provide texture and color.
-
Evergreens were added at the property edge to screen the yard from view. A new maple tree will eventually grow to 50 feet, creating pleasant shade.
-
The backyard now features two connected zones of hardscaping: a raised patio for entertaining and dining, and a second patio for lounging poolside.
-
The gunnite pool has an onyx quartz finish; its dark color lends the water an elegant, deep tone.
-
Additional pool features include a built-in spa and convenient auto-cover.
-
A new exterior door and three steps of Connecticut fieldstone topped with bluestone connect the pool directly to the house.
-
Linear bluestone pavers with an eight-inch border of grass create a modern transition between the pool and the raised patio.
-
The patio steps feature built-in lighting, providing soft illumination for evening entertaining.
-
Sitting walls of Connecticut fieldstone offer casual perches along the side of the patio. Its generous size allows for separate dining and lounge areas.
-
A 36-inch Lynx grill is built into a surround of Connecticut fieldstone with a honed bluestone top, providing casual, counter-height seating near the grill.
-
The property features a natural rock ledge outcropping, which was cleaned off to highlight its rustic beauty.
-
A generously-sized, thermal top bluestone patio wraps around the pool, providing plenty of space to relax.
-
Through thoughtful design and smart planning, Odd Job Landscaping was able to integrate a substantial outdoor entertaining area into a limited space -- beautifully.
This property is situated on a generous lot, but wetlands setbacks dramatically reduced the usable area. Through thoughtful design and careful planning, Odd Job Landscaping created the ideal backyard getaway in a limited space. A masonry walkway and flowering shrubs create a welcoming entry sequence to the home, but the true splendor of the property is revealed at the back of the house. A spectacular pool is surrounded by a bluestone patio which connects directly to the house, courtesy of a new exterior door. From the pool, linear pavers set into the grass create a soft connection between the pool and a new, elevated patio. The patio offers generous entertaining space, with a 36-inch Lynx grill for outdoor cooking. Sitting walls of Connecticut fieldstone provide casual perches along the edge of the patio and adjacent to its stunning outdoor fireplace, which features a four-inch-thick, hand-hewn wood mantel. The entire yard is surrounded by native trees and perennial plantings, providing privacy and year-round visual interest.