Woodland Retreat: a pastoral escape reimagined

From the moment the clients purchased their home, they loved the house but recognised the grounds had tremendous potential. After completing several smaller projects, they decided to undertake a major outdoor transformation, beginning with a custom deck and natural stone patio. As they enjoyed these improvements and reflected on their vision, it became clear they wanted a natural, pastoral landscape, one that blended organic elements with inviting spaces for entertaining friends and family.

This project was designed in partnership with landscape architect Sue Jacobs Grant.

Project goals

• Transform a fragmented, difficult-to-navigate property into a cohesive, functional outdoor living space.
• Preserve a wooded, natural feel while opening sightlines and sunlight through tree work.
• Create distinct gathering and recreational spaces that support both adult and family activities.
• Seamlessly integrate hardscape, water features, and plantings for aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Our approach

Tree and land management. We began with extensive tree removal and pruning to maintain a wooded character while opening the canopy for sunlight, then regraded the land to create smooth, rolling terrain for easy navigation.

Hardscape construction. We installed over 300 tons of natural wall stone and limestone slabs, regrading the grounds to form a continuous, functional outdoor area.

Dedicated gathering spaces. We constructed two primary areas, a small private sitting nook among hemlock trees and a larger firepit area overlooking the stream bend, ideal for gatherings.

Recreation and play features. We added a hillside designed for winter sledding and a custom-built playset for children, with large natural boulders incorporated for exploration and play.

Pool installation. A small pool with a custom automatic cover was integrated seamlessly with the existing patio, maintaining an open aesthetic without fencing.

Planting and lighting. We created planting pockets and added native trees to complement the landscape, then installed low-voltage lighting to enhance safety and ambience at all hours.

The results

The completed Woodland Retreat blends function, beauty, and recreation. The property now features a cohesive, pastoral landscape with areas for relaxation, play, and entertaining, all integrated naturally with the wooded surroundings. Carefully designed hardscape, plantings, and lighting create an outdoor experience that can be enjoyed year-round.