The bold restoration of an incredible 1883 Shingle Style home by Peabody & Stearns in Brookline allowed extensive transformations to the surrounding landscape for a growing family who desired beautiful, authentic outdoor spaces. The sizable urban lot has a relatively modest change in elevation, and both the front and rear yards are edged by busy streetscapes. A new dry laid fieldstone retaining wall elevates the front yard, where a thoughtfully crafted staircase and walkway composed of reclaimed Rockport granite slabs meanders to the home’s gracious entry porch.

A fothergilla hedge complements the elegant facade and drifts of boxwood mixed with perennials surround a seasonal bulb lawn, where the arrival of spring is defined by an incredible flowering display of crocus and scilla. Paths and terraces built from slabs of weathered granite meandering around the property are carefully woven together, resulting in beautifully textured hardscapes that embellish the historically significant exterior.

An abundant kitchen garden with raised bluestone beds takes advantage of a full sun exposure, and apples and blueberries are positioned to further enhance the family’s connection to their land. The rear activity lawn is surrounded by a rustic spruce pole picket fence inspired by the late works of Fredrick Law Olmsted, and lush drifts of flowering shrubs and perennials create multiple layers of privacy to the main outdoor spaces. A flexible and inspired play area encourages creative and expressive opportunities for the family to be outdoors as new life is breathed into the bones of this incredible historic home.

Collaborators: Planeta Design Group, Woodmeister Master Builders, Martin Lucyk Landscape Construction, Stone Curators, Barrett Tree East, The Garden Concierge