1. The landscape design was planned in phases to build out the north side of the property into a classic and formal garden that reflects the 1920s French estate architecture of the residence. Preserving mature trees was essential to the client's vision of how to ensure the property would look its age.

2. A bird's eye view of the newly constructed beach, the boathouse, the boardwalk, and the terrace atop the boathouse. Beyond the bluff is the pool flanked by seating areas, the lawn panel at the back of the house, the pergola to the west of the pool, and an additional turf panel. Back-to-back fountains enhance the partition, defining the separation of the heated parking court and continuing out to the driveway.

A look at the bluff in the springtime. The wide, aged staircases offer easy access down the bluff to the boardwalk and beach.

4. Before: In-progress construction of the bluff walls and the terrace.

A detailed look at the access points and pathways throughout the bluff.

The terrace atop the boathouse. The new materials were treated to match the age and architecture of the residence.

The terrace off the back of the residence meets a large lawn panel, a prominent water fountain, antique urns, and aged balustrades to continue the historical look of the property.

8. The large lawn panel at the back of the residence matches the limestone balustrades from the terrace, which define the area from the bluff.

Off the large lawn panel is a zero-edge pool, designed to look like a puddle on the stone. The color of the plaster in the pool was chosen to relate to the color of Lake Michigan.

10. To the west of the pool is the massive pergola designed to provide tranquil shelter from the sun and rain. The shingles are sequoia to be rot-resistant and covered with lead-coated copper. The same painting technique as the windows and doors of the residence was applied to create an antiqued look.

11. A look at the inside of the pergola. The structure is constructed of steel and wrapped in wood, then fitted together so no nails are visible. This look to the north provides a view of the large evergreens planted to ensure nothing felt new.

12. A fountain west of the lawn panel provides an aesthetic separation from the parking court and continuity from the fountain off the terrace at the back of the residence.

Before: The north side of the property where the fountain wall is being framed. Mature 15’ evergreens wait to be planted.

The other side of the stone wall that faces the parking court provides a welcoming fountain with a distinct architectural style that matches the residence.

Site plan.