Richard P. Rauso, ASLA

The goal of this landscape design and build project was to create a simple patio using peastone with a granite cobble edging. The patio sits adjacent to the residence and is bordered by lawn, vegetable garden beds, and a cairn rock water feature. Designed and built by Skyline Landscapes, LLC.

A steep hillside is turned into a lush landscape using salvias, ornamental grasses, pomegranates and other easy care plants.

What better way to enjoy the best feature of a lake house – the lake – than spending an evening sitting around a fire? Roast marshmallows or have a heart-to-heart – the fire is the perfect setting for connecting with loved ones.

It was pretty much a blank area but with some elevation issues. The seating wall served 2 purposes as a seating space but also to retain some of the patio. Natural fieldstone steppers lead from the driveway area to the patio. An assortment of perennials and plantings soften the hardscape project. Serviceberry, hybrid dogwood, and a large dwarf pine are the anchor plants. We also created a raised vegetable garden space off the patio too. Marc Depoto (Hillside Nurseries Inc.)

Scotch moss and pebbles surround a basalt dish rock. Juniper wood raised vegetable beds provide a bench for passersby to sit.

Waterfalls by Matthew Giampietro of Waterfalls Fountains & Gardens Inc.

Chris Cheever Photography Builder: Brad Hill Custom Homes

A European-California influenced Custom Home sits on a hill side with an incredible sunset view of Saratoga Lake. This exterior is finished with reclaimed Cypress, Stucco and Stone. While inside, the gourmet kitchen, dining and living areas, custom office/lounge and Witt designed and built yoga studio create a perfect space for entertaining and relaxation. Nestle in the sun soaked veranda or unwind in the spa-like master bath; this home has it all. Photos by Randall Perry Photography.

Mark Boisclair

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography