Larchmont Sloped Backyard | Zavaglia Associates

Experience the magic of a steep-slope-to-oasis transformation in Larchmont. The innovative landscape design seamlessly integrates historical elements, curated gardens, and immersive fire pit areas, setting the standard for captivating outdoor vignettes that incorporate the indigenous rocks and landscape features of this picturesque region in Westchester County, New York.

Ascend the artfully integrated stone steps, nestled into the natural landscape, that guide you to a mesmerizing fire pit area.

Historical echoes meet contemporary elegance. An iron horse, discovered during excavation when this land was a horse farm, graces the space—a nod to the rich heritage that intertwines with this retreat.

A second set of steps crafted from native slabs of rock. Each step is a celebration of the region's natural beauty, seamlessly blending into the landscape and inviting you to explore the captivating outdoor spaces beyond.

As daylight wanes, the patio and dining area come alive under thoughtful lighting design. Connected by large slabs of native rock steps, this outdoor space not only extends usability into shorter days but also ensures safety, casting a warm glow on the intersection of nature and design.

The dynamic beauty of the meadow-style gardens. Bursting with vibrant colors, these curated landscapes offer seasonal interest, creating a lively backdrop that evolves with the changing seasons.

Gather around the focal point of large group entertainment – the immersive patio fire pit area. Natural wood storage and bench seating seamlessly blend into the landscape, creating a haven for shared moments amid the backdrop of the meadow-style gardens.

Every element of the fire pit, from the meticulously arranged rocks to the ambient details, invites you to witness the craftsmanship and thoughtful design that define this enchanting space.

As evening descends, behold the magic of the fire pit area, beautifully illuminated by the lighting design. Each flicker of light accentuates the natural textures and creates an inviting atmosphere, turning this outdoor haven into a captivating retreat under the Westchester night sky.

Transforming the challenging sloped backyard into a captivating outdoor oasis was a project rooted in addressing the family's unique needs and blending seamlessly with the traditional aesthetic of their new Larchmont home.

The family sought to accommodate their large extended family with additional seating areas and entertainment zones across their 1-acre property. The steep, sloped backyard posed a challenge, requiring grading to flatten the space and create a welcoming fire pit patio area for family gatherings. The project also aimed to establish a lounge area, enhance circulation from the lower parking area to the redesigned spaces, facilitate easy movement from patios to the lower backyard, and introduce a planting plan with captivating seasonal interest.

To fulfill these objectives, while also embracing the clients' traditional style, characterized by curving lines, rounded corners, and a preference for warmer neutral tones, we crafted a design that resonated with their vision. The first lounge area, featuring irregular-shaped bluestone, was strategically designed for maximum seating and usable green space.

Terrace walls, constructed with locally sourced stones, paid homage to the farmhouse's original walls. Artifacts discovered during site work were seamlessly integrated, adding a historical touch to the property. The immersive patio fire pit area became a focal point for large group entertainment, incorporating natural wood storage and bench seating. Thoughtful lighting design played a dual role, extending the usability of the space into shorter days and ensuring safety. Moonlighting techniques created a captivating ambiance, offering different zones for varied moods. Curved terrace walls and steps, crafted from large slabs of stones, honored the property's history, evoking a timeless feel. A breezeway connecting the garage to the backyard served as a functional and aesthetic bridge, while gracious steps seamlessly linked different levels. Loose, meadow-style gardens infused vibrant colors, providing a dynamic backdrop. A black fence, chosen for both safety and visual subtlety, seamlessly blended into the surroundings.

This project stands as a testament to transforming challenges into opportunities, resulting in a stunning and functional outdoor space that perfectly aligns with the family's lifestyle and the rich history of their Larchmont property.