New England retreat

This custom-designed home, located minutes from Boston, offers a taste of country seclusion within an urban area. The new home was constructed over the winter of 2009, with the majority of masonry elements constructed under heated tents. The main entry drive is finished with an epoxy resin mixed with marble chips, adhered to asphalt and bordered by a swaled cobble band. Surface water is contained and directed to an on-site recharge system.

The entry drive leads to a radiant-heated granite courtyard. The photo at left shows the construction of the radiant snow melt system at the cobble courtyard, prior to concrete application.

The 4x4 porphyry sets were individually hand-laid in a multiple-fan pattern. A running band pattern of 4x4 porphyry splits surrounds the fan pattern. Atlantic Green granite banding completes the geometric design.

The landscape walls were constructed of split-faced Connecticut granite, and capped with complimentary Atlantic Green granite, to reflect the stone veneer of the house. This one leads to the splash pond.

The plunge pool doubles as both a decorative feature and a useable spa. The sheer descent element at the center adds just the right amount of splash to draw guests' attention from the adjoining terrace. New England flat fieldstone gathered locally was used for the pool coping and abutting terrace. Whimsical art sits in a pair of stone niches on either side of the splash waterfall.

Perennial gardens border the lawn and house areas. Bluetooth pathways are placed throughout the perennial gardens, connecting the house terraces.

The rear terrace is constructed in a diamond pattern bluestone and overlooks the vast expanse of lawn and the woodland edge of the adjoining country club golf course.