A Homeowner’s Dream in Long Grove

A new house located in Northwest Illinois allowed the owners to create their dream landscape through a series of phases.

The homeowners’ first priority was to focus on the development of a backyard entertaining area, including a pool and spa, which could be accessed from the existing upper deck.

Capitalizing on the panoramic views from the upper deck to the yard, the Design Team set the pool at a lower elevation into the hillside.  As you descend from the deck you walk along a flagstone pathway with outcropping stone steps that gradually wind through the garden to a small bluestone terrace and steps leading to the pool. Just beyond the pool, an expansive lawn area opens up to a wooded conservancy for private entertaining.

During construction, the owners decided to add a walk out basement door connecting directly to the small terrace. The remaining hillside was transformed into a lush garden area with outcropping stone stabilizing the hillside and providing planting pockets rich with perennials and ornamental grasses.

The second phase consisted of designing a grand walled English garden entrance. Bluestone walls and coping were added to create a formal courtyard outside the dining room. The view from the dining room picture window focuses on the lion head fountain. Colorful perennials and boxwood hedges make up the garden, inviting guests to linger before entering the house.