Contractors:

Mariani Landscape

Category:

Residential Design

As the French Normandy style home was being constructed, the landscape architect knew immediately that a traditional foundation planting would not be suitable. The four-acre site was overgrown and damaged from the demolition of the original building. The landscape architect created a design concept to complement the new home by creating the feel of a rural French country estate. The resulting landscape contains formal European design elements that carefully blend to a pastoral perimeter.

The landscape architect also envisioned recreating an apple orchard in front of the residence, designed to surround a winding drive so the visitor could feel transported from the suburbs to the countryside when approaching the home. In order to accomplish this effect, the landscape architect began a search for the “perfect” apple trees. A group of 35-year-old apple trees was found on a nearby farm being cleared for development. While dormant, the trees were hand dug and lifted by a crane into a semi-truck. When they were delivered to the site, the trees were planted at the location where today they are thriving.

The residence is a showcase example of non-traditional residential landscape design. With minimal foundation planting, the landscape design focuses on creating unison between the house and grounds rather than masking the home’s foundation.