Seen from the street, the home is a shingle style, two story Craftsman. Mature plantings surround the home. The fence on the right provides privacy for an area where the driveway has been re-envisioned as a dining courtyard.

Large pavers in a herringbone pattern helps dress up what had been the driveway, and the surrounding plantings are both elegant and provide privacy. The addition that was made to extend the kitchen and upstairs master bath is the area behind the table where there are two windows.

Here we see how the plants and trees provide the sense of being in a lush European-inspired courtyard.

Passing between the garage and home we enter the second courtyard, a lavish entertaining area anchored by stone fire-pit with built-in seating and a surrounding arbor that provides both visual interest and definition to the space. In the evening glow, the radiance and warmth of the area are evident.

A bird’s-eye view of the seating area.

Access to the inner courtyard from the home is through these french doors in the kitchen.

Here we see from the french doors looking toward the fire pit.

To the left of the fire-pit is a delightful area for the children’s swing set. Simple gravel is used for the low maintenance area.

The view from the children’s play area to the entertaining space. Consistent with the dining courtyard, plantings provide the feel of a private garden oasis.

The well-designed arbor will eventually support plants and provide even greater privacy.

A closer view of the cozy stone fire pit and semi-circular integrated seating. Bluestone caps the surfaces, while the arbor which was designed and built by the homeowner (who is an engineer) provides a dramatic backdrop to the space.

This warm and intimate space provides the perfect backdrop for family fun and entertainment.