Design Notebook: April 1998

Located in Alpharetta, Ga., this country estate provides an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Set on five acres of rolling hills, this project was developed in two phases with the ultimate goal of being completed in 18 months.

The project won the Environmental Improvement Grand Award from the Associated Landscape Contractors of America.

DESIGN CHALLENGES. The home-owners wanted different areas for entertaining in their backyard that reflected their eclectic style. Out of the wooded landscape they wanted three areas: a casual terrace that incorporated water, a formal terrace and a swimming pool with ample space for entertaining.

The homeowners required privacy for the house and a yard that flowed into the balance of the property. Logistically, a 16-foot elevation change from the home to the back of the property presented challenges for the pool location. Further complicating matters was the construction of the pool during the winter months and coordinating five different trades and subcontractors.

DESIGN SOLUTION. The design had to entail a logical progression. Entertaining areas were established for small, intimate gatherings and large entertaining parties. Because of the elevation change, levels were created that flowed together, yet with distinct separation.

The casual terrace with the pond and waterfall garden is 4 feet lower than the living room elevation. With a pergola for shade, the stone terrace sitting area blends with the stone and boulders used in the water garden. Water is recirculated to a split waterfall for relaxing sound and aeration for the aquatic plant material and fish.

From this terrace, an arch and a 42-inch spindle fence define the formal lawn terrace, taking on a touch of the European garden feel with a border of more than 20 varieties of perennials and annuals. The lawn terrace then flows down into the main entertaining center of the property consisting of the pool, spa and cabana.

This level was set 5½ feet lower than the lawn terrace to minimize the height of the retaining wall on the backside of the pool. Wide, gracious, stone steps allow for a gentle transition, as well as provide a focal point from the living room to the spillway of the spa.

Back dropped by three 14-foot Southern Magnolias and flanked by a Dissectum Japanese Maple cantilevering over the pool beam, night lighting creates a dramatic view.

Each post of the cabana is anchored by a 36-inch stacked stone column to match the pool and terraced stone, and four 6-inch by 6-inch rough cedar posts blend with surrounding trees.

Opposite of the cabana, a large stone terrace provides space for lounging and sun bathing with adjoining lawn space for pedestrian overflow. The fescue lawn ties into the adjacent meadow as the defined gardens of the backyard blend into the balance of the property.

A multitude of plants and flowers embellish the garden spaces, such as a purple wave of petunias cascading over the double-tiered, stacked stone retaining wall. Heavy use of typical Georgia plant material, such as flowering dogwoods, varieties of Kurume and Indica Azaleas and Magnolias, relate the charm of the area.