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Crafting a Coastal Retreat – Privacy and Aesthetic in Bristol, Rhode Island

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Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in Medfield, this landscape project exemplifies the seamless integration of design, construction, and ongoing maintenance. Our journey began with a detailed consultation to understand the homeowners’ vision for their property. With a strong focus on creating a functional yet visually stunning space for entertaining, enhancing curb appeal, and increasing privacy, we developed a comprehensive design that would transform their yard into a personalized outdoor oasis. Over two years of construction, nearly every part of the landscape was touched, resulting in a cohesive and well-thought-out space that reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle. Upon project completion, our maintenance team stepped in to ensure the property flourished.

Project Overview:

Design Objectives:

  • Expand outdoor entertainment space for gatherings
  • Create a functional connection between the main house, patio, and sport court
  • Enhance curb appeal with modern, low-maintenance features
  • Provide increased privacy along side property lines

Backyard Transformation:

The heart of this transformation lies in the backyard, where a stunning patio now acts as the focal point for outdoor living. Designed to accommodate both intimate family gatherings and larger social events, the patio features cobblestone inlays running through the stone surface, providing a unique, eye-catching detail. These inlays break up the large expanse of stone and add a touch of timeless elegance that elevates the design. At its center is a custom veneer stone gas fire pit, inviting family and friends to gather around for warmth and conversation.

The patio is not just a standalone feature—it serves as a key connector between various functional areas of the property. On one side, it links to the existing wood deck, which houses the grill and outdoor dining area. This seamless transition ensures the family can easily move between cooking, dining, and relaxing. On the other side, the patio opens toward the sport court, an active space used frequently by the homeowners’ children.

Further enhancing the entertainment aspect of the space is a sleek, shed-like structure adjacent to the patio. This modern building is not just a storage solution; it has been transformed into an additional living space, complete with a finished interior, TV, and bar seating. This multi-functional space allows for year-round use, providing a cozy retreat for casual gatherings or a fun spot to watch the game during outdoor parties. It significantly expands the patio’s capacity to host events like birthdays, graduations, and holiday celebrations.

Material Selection: Material selection was a key part of the design process, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal. We carefully chose natural veneer stone for the fire pit and patio, blending rustic charm with modern touches like the cobblestone inlays. The selection of these materials was critical in creating a high-end look that could withstand the New England elements while requiring minimal maintenance.

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Front Yard Makeover:

Once the backyard was complete, we shifted our focus to the front yard, which was in need of a refresh. The original stone retaining wall was deteriorating, and the brick walkway had become outdated and uneven. We removed both and replaced them with a modern paver walkway, which provides a cleaner, more welcoming approach to the home.

The existing front steps and landing were also given a significant upgrade. The old brick treads were swapped out for elegant granite, while the risers were wrapped in veneer stone to match the new aesthetic. This transformation not only enhanced the home’s curb appeal but also created a more polished and durable entryway.

In addition to these structural changes, we replaced the overgrown foundation plants with a new plant palette that offers year-round interest. Careful consideration was given to the selection of these plants, ensuring that they would complement the home’s architecture while requiring minimal upkeep. The result is a front yard that is both visually striking and easy to maintain.

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Privacy Plantings & Side Property Enhancements:

The need for privacy was another critical element of the project. The homeowners wanted to enjoy their backyard without feeling exposed to neighboring properties. To achieve this, we designed and installed layered landscape beds along the side property lines, using a mix of evergreen trees, flowering shrubs, and perennials. This approach ensured that privacy was maintained throughout the year, while also offering visual interest for both the homeowners and their neighbors.

The privacy plantings were strategically placed to screen key areas, such as the sport court and patio, while still allowing the space to feel open and inviting. As these plantings mature, they will create a lush, natural barrier that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape, further enhancing the feeling of seclusion.

Challenges & Solutions:

As with any large-scale project, there were challenges to overcome. The property’s grading presented some difficulties in creating a seamless flow between the patio, deck, and sport court. To address this, we implemented a subtle tiered design, using retaining walls and transitions that were integrated into the landscape in a way that feels natural and unobtrusive.

Weather delays, particularly during the first phase of construction, also posed challenges. However, careful project management and communication with the homeowners allowed us to adjust timelines without compromising the quality of the work.

Ongoing Maintenance & Care:

With the construction phase completed, the focus shifted to ensuring the landscape remained pristine. Our maintenance team stepped in to provide essential services, including weekly lawn care, seasonal cleanups, pruning, and monthly bed maintenance. This continued attention ensures the health and longevity of the plants, keeping the space vibrant and well-kept year-round.

The relationship between design, construction, and maintenance is crucial to the success of this project. By offering ongoing care, we can ensure that the landscape matures beautifully and that our clients can enjoy their outdoor oasis for many years to come.

This case study illustrates how thoughtful landscape design can not only enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of a property but also improve the homeowners’ lifestyle. The Medfield Backyard Oasis is a testament to our commitment to creating personalized, enduring outdoor spaces. By integrating entertainment, privacy, and curb appeal, we have crafted a space that the clients will enjoy for years, all while adding significant value to their property.

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