David Burroughs Photography

Gateway to Rear Yard - General Contractor: Forte Estate Homes

Spanish Revival,Spanish Colonial,Private Courtyard

Dining area nestled underneath large existing mesquite trees. Photos by Meagan Hancock

We developed this landscape over several years in close study with the Architects and Clients, who were committed to artisan-quality construction in every detail of the home and landscape. Each level of the house and terraced landscape boasts magnificent views to San Francisco. The steep site and the clients’ love of rustic stone lead us to create a series of luxurious serpentine stone walls to chisel the hillside. On each terrace of the garden, the same walls frame and hug unique spaces for play, entertaining, relaxing and contemplation. Each room of the house opens to a distinct, related garden room: a BBQ terrace with an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven; a quiet terrace with aquatic plants, Japanese maples, and a mermaid sculpture; a lap pool and outdoor fireplace; and a guest house with a vegetable garden. The resulting landscape burgeons into a true feast for the senses. Visitors are greeted at the street by stone columns supporting a tailored entry gate with Oak branch detailing. The gently sculpted driveway is flanked by Coast Live Oaks and California native plantings. At the top of the driveway, visitors are beckoned up to the main entry terrace by a grand sweeping staircase of Montana Cody stone steps. Before entering the main door of the house, one can rest on the stone seat-wall under a reclaimed redwood trellis and enjoy the calming waters of the custom limestone birdbath fountain. From the Grand Lawn off the rear terrace of the house, the view to the city is framed by romantic gas lanterns set on bold stone columns. Although the site grades required guardrails on this main terrace, the view was maintained through minimal planting and the use of an infinity pond and hand crafted metal railings to contain the space. The retaining walls of the Grand Lawn became a canvas for us to design unique water features. We hired a local stone sculptor, a local metal sculptor and a top-notch pool company to help us create a boulder water wall and artistic bronze fountainheads that thunder down into the pool: both playful and grandiose in one gesture. Architect: Graff Architects General Contractor: Young & Burton Treve Johnson Photography

The Matheson Team RE/MAX Fine Properties

Facing the hot western Arizona Sun this Entry court features an arcade that offers shade to the homes entry.

photos by Bernardo Grijalva

tuscany architecture by Friehauf associates, with all exterior landscape planning and installation by Rob Hill, Hill's landscapes - Cameron Flagstone, italian cypress, pizza oven, vanishing edge pool, olive trees

Photography by David Phelps Photography. Hidden behind gates stands this 1935 Mediterranean home in the Hollywood Hills West. The multi-purpose grounds feature an outdoor loggia for entertaining, spa, pool and private terraced gardens with hillside city views. Completely modernized and renovated with special attention to architectural integrity. Carefully selected antiques and custom furnishings set the stage for tasteful casual California living. Interior Designer Tommy Chambers Architect Kevin Oreck Landscape Designer Laurie Lewis Contractor Jeff Vance of IDGroup

A fireplace, counter and gas grill surround a covered patio next to a pool. A spa and large fountain bring moving water to the landscape. Photo: Mike Heacox / Luciole Design Inc.

A tall aqua brimming fountain utilizes the area next to the detached studio creating another inviting place to sit and relax or perhaps read a book. It is centered at the top of the pool and counterbalanced by a large antique terra cotta pot holding a lime tree at the other end.

A luxurious Mediterranean house and property with Tuscan influences featuring majestic Live Oak trees, detailed travertine paving, expansive lawns and lush gardens. Designed and built by Harold Leidner Landscape Architects. House construction by Bob Thompson Homes.