Chatham, NY

Located in a previous hay field, this home is perched on an exposed hillside with high winds and little or no place to be comfortable in the landscape. A stone courtyard and embracing wall were designed to establish a large outdoor room, and layered levels of plantings were installed, creating a place to inhabit and visualize throughout the seasons. The owners had resisted planting shade trees for fear of blocking the spectacular views; once convinced, however, they were quick to appreciate the way the trees created windows into the landscape, as well as providing much-needed shade and bird habitat.