Lee Bestall

A once forgotten side yard turns into a charming gravel garden Martin Residence Cardiff by the Sea, Ca

Garden lawn and trimmed trees

Enveloped by the dramatic Hollywood Hills, this private mid-century residence required the ultimate outdoor room. The design concept was to link exotic plantings with spaces for entertaining, working, bathing, and even sleeping - urning the home 'inside-out'.

The design intent for this modest home and garden, located on a tree-lined street in Culver City, was to create a family-friendly, versatile, sustainable outdoor environment that grew with the rapidly changing needs of the owners, their three children and their close-knit community. This became the site of the "Neighborhood Film Festival" where family and friends could settle into the oversized sofa, warm themselves by the outdoor firepit/coffee table, and enjoy a movie under the stars.

An English style Georgian home with walled courtyard garden. Photographer: John Howard.

Alan & Linda Detrick Photography

The upper lawn for the kids to play with a vegetable garden on the side

Leland Gebhardt

Motor court and entry.

Courtyard Patio Sculpture by Richard McDonald

Photography: @ Lauren Hall Knight

cor-ten steel plates between concrete and stucco walls

With a charming fireplace and enough space for a dining and lounging area, the screened porch off the living room is a stylish spot to entertain outdoors.

The master ensuite has its own small courtyard with two platforms, a vertical garden and plenty of greenery and light. Photographer - Jessie May