Blending with the Arroyo

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This washed-brick house is nestled on the bank of the Arroyo, enveloped by large oaks, sycamores, and ginkgo trees. When the owner's bought this property three years ago, they needed to add square footage to the house itself as well as completely redesign the gardens. It was important to them to respect the integrity of their Robert Ainsworth designed home along with the serenity of its surroundings.

In order to accomplish these goals, the owners enlisted the assistance of Sidney Baumgartner, landscape architect, who had designed the gardens at their beach-front residence in Ventura County. In addition to Sidney, the owners employed Laney Hackman who performed flawlessly as the Landscape Contractor, installing the planting, irrigation, lighting and drains. General Contractor, Walker Mathiessen Builders, and Shawn Nelson, designer, made the walls, gates, driveway, and the masterful house remodeling possible. Their teamwork, along with the Whites' passion for gardening, resulted in a magical landscape featuring a wash-bricked wall, fountains, terraces, a potting shed, and extensive planting.

Early on in the remodeling project, the landscape architect pointed out that the property needed privacy for the gardens. As a result, the gates, walls and new driveway were designed. They were built to compliment the charm of the washed brick and the beautiful woodwork throughout the house.

In the back garden, the cabana was added and has served to revive both the form and function of the space. The brick patio and cabana have become a second living room where the Whites can entertain their friends and family.

With the wife's inventive combinations of ferns and perennials, the team was able to tie together the varied levels of the garden, creating more private and useable spaces for the passionate gardeners.

The owners emphasize that teamwork was the key to creating this garden, and what a beautiful sanctuary it is.


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