OUTER FOCUS

O U T E R

A decorative pond is part of the sprawling landscape that accompanies this Chestnut Hill residence.

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At last, the season for outdoor living is upon us. Once summer arrives, the unpredictable winters and often blustery springs we grumble about in New England somehow seem worth it. We’ve earned these months of sunshine, flowers, and fresh air. It’s time for backyard gettogethers, swimming, and school vacation; late bedtimes for the kids, refreshing adult cocktails, firepits, and ice cream. On the following pages, we feature three dreamy outdoor spaces designed for making the most of all aspects of alfresco living.

F O C U S

NATURAL CONNECTION

With multiple kids of different ages, the homeowners of this Nantucket property looked to Gregory Lombardi Design to transform the landscape into a series of distinct yet connected spaces. To expand the pool area, it was relocated to the side of the property from the small area between the main house and the guest house, a spot that now exists as a grassy courtyard connecting the different spots. Defined by an entertainment zone with a grill and live-edge walnut bar, an expansive seating and dining area segues to the pool and a play lawn where an in-ground trampoline is situated by a craft barn geared for children’s activities. A firepit, privy to subtle ocean views and bordered by a native stone wall, conservation land, and lush plantings is located adjacent to the guest house.

Greg Lombardi Design, lombardidesign.com

The trellised dining area is located directly off of the house; stonework is set into the lawn to create defined pathways; a grassy square where the pool was formerly located now harmoniously separates the main home from the guest house.

Brian Vanden Brink

Photography by Richard Mandelkorn

BUCOLIC REVIVAL

Spread upon two-and-a-half acres, this once beloved estate had become derelict. When new owners purchased the 1911 Craftsman style house in Chestnut Hill, MA they called in Dan Gordon Landscape Architects to revitalize the grounds, which includes a decorative pond, and rejuvenate the garden in the spirit of the neighborhood’s traditional character. The steep terrain was terraced to maximize sightlines from the house and stone walls were added to safeguard the new pool, define entertaining and recreation areas, and display an organized transition from the house to the landscape beyond. Hedges, gates, and entry piers beckon, guide, and add formality within the natural abundance.

Dan Gordon Landscape Architects, dangordon.com

Stone walls enclose the pool area while the same material was used for an outdoor fieplace nearby.

Brian Vanden Brink

PORCH PERFECTION

Located off the back of a Shingle style home on Martha’s Vineyard, the idea for this porch was for it to represent an outdoor living room. The homeowners turned to design firm Gauthier Stacy to furnish the space as completely as an interior room would be. With ceilings clad with shiplap and crown molding—details exhibited in the home’s interior living spaces, the porch features a wood burning fireplace to warm on chilly evenings and furniture in the seating area and dining space by Kingsley Bate. The coffee table, ship model on the mantle, and lamps were vintage store finds. It’s an ideal spot for casual gathering and big family dinners and the view is sublime: overlooking the verdant lawn the eye stretches to a field beyond and all the way to the ocean.

Gauthier Stacy, gauthierstacy.com

COLDWELLBANKERLUXURY.COM

*Based on closed sales volume and total number of units closed information from MLS Property Information Network for Wellesley and Weston, MA, in all price ranges as reported on Jan. 7, 2021 for the period of Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2020. Sales volume calculated by multiplying the number of buyer and/or seller sides by sales price. One unit equals one side of a transaction (buyer or seller). Source data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 21BSK7_NE_1/21 System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 21BSK7_NE_1/21 136 NEWENGLANDLIVING.TV