The spirited renovation and expansion of a turn-of-the-century home in Chestnut Hill presents wonderful opportunities to develop a new landscape that seamlessly blends old with new. Spectacular mature canopy trees such as Japanese maple, dogwood, stewartia, chamaecyparis, and hemlock are strategically preserved as new garden areas are carefully nestled into the property’s established context. Exquisitely crafted walls built from locally sourced granite and pudding stone form the foundations of elevated terraces built from slabs of natural cleft bluestone; the spaces are positioned to visually absorb the estate’s park-like setting. Monolithic stone staircases elegantly glide through vibrant, multi-seasonal planting beds to connect spaces to a lush activity lawn where busy children and pets play outdoors year-round. A restored stone pond and waterfall surrounded by incredible colonies of antique rhododendrons and azaleas is absolutely mesmerizing when in bloom. Modern amenities such as a heated drive and parking court, grilling area, sports court, and fire pit are thoughtfully integrated into the garden without disrupting the charm and elegance of this wonderful old home.

Collaborators: Abeles & Associates Architects, R.S.S Construction, Robert Hanss Landscape Construction, Liz Caan Interiors, Shadows and Light, Bay State Irrigation, Sport Court, Olde New England Granite, Select Horticulture, Artemesia Perennial Supply, Janus et Cie