Bonvue

A concrete retaining wall loomed over this 1926 Mediterranean house, robbing the home of light and closing off views of the garden. In addition to opening up the rear yard, we were asked to add a pool, spa, dining terrace, field kitchen and cabana. Accommodation of this substantial program required a radical re-sculpting of the site.

The new dining terrace opens to a broad flight of steps to the west. Immediately to the south is a field kitchen with barbeque, side-burners and an exterior oven. To the east, the terrace is defined by a towering outdoor fireplace. Wrapping the chimney-breast are cantilevered concrete steps that wind around to meet the garden to the north.

The master bedroom opens to a terrace that is focused on a water wall cut into the side of the pool. The cabana, dug into the northwest corner of the property, offers respite from the southern sun and also functions as a guesthouse and changing room. Steps carved into the slope along its west wall lead to a rooftop terrace. This view terrace is the termination of a noble flight of stairs that begins at the street and, rising from landing to landing, resolutely climbs the site pausing only to afford access to the bedroom and pool terraces.

Credits:
Garden Design, Sarah Munster
Photography, Steve Gunther