The challenge offered in designing and constructing the landscape of this unique mountain estate was to seamlessly fuse a formal Mediterranean aesthetic into the Rocky Mountain setting without appearing out of place.

Formal architectural elements of antiquity such as a spiral stair-case, pergola, portico with underlying knot garden, garden statuary and art, multiple fountains, and a fire pit with counsel ring were combined in a natural Colorado setting with recreational elements such as swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen area, and PGA class putting green. Mix in several thousand tons of granite boulders and a vast array of Colorado select plants specifically chosen for the sites elevation and deer population, and a one-of-a-kind Colorado garden is born.

To experience this grand garden, one must make their way off the upper balcony of the house, down the spiral staircase, and onto the flowing patio space where the hot tub, outdoor kitchen and statuary are all in close proximity. Continuing down a formal stone staircase to nature’s edge, the homeowners can enjoy every luxury that they could think of.  The pool acts as a primary focal point of transition, as one end exemplifies the natural aspect of the project-boasting a magnificent waterfall and diving boulders, while the opposite end borders the pergola and fire pit- embodying the formal  aesthetic of the project. The fire pit and circular pergola are perched on the edge of a twenty foot cliff overlooking the pond below. Extensive plantings of groundcovers, perennials, and native grass envelope the primary living spaces, then eventually lead you down to the PGA class putting green complete with upper and lower tees, sand trap and rough.

After making your way up the edge of the property, through the lawn and back to the upper balcony, it is easy to understand how the client’s initial request to create a Mediterranean-Rocky Mountain paradise has been met.

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