Nottingham

Initially retained to provide appropriate exteriors for this 1926 Italianate house, along with a pool and terraces, the scope of our work expanded with the arrival of a new owner to include an extensive re-model of the lower floor to accommodate a family room, wine cellar, and bathroom. The exteriors were augmented with a spa set below the pool, two fire pits, stone benches and shade pergolas.

The rear terraces were designed to descend to a simple rectilinear pool, infinity-edged on two sides to underline the panoramic view of downtown Los Angeles. Broad stairs transition between the many levels that define the site and provide access to less formal stone walks set beneath the canopies of existing trees. A cantilevered pond was placed atop the pool equipment vault and decorated with an eighteenth century putto.

A massive fireplace was built as the focus of the dining terrace; this was augmented with a full field kitchen. Olives, roses, succulents, vines and Mediterranean plantings soften the edges of the extensive hardscape and provide a lush understory in the more remote, wilder areas of the garden.

Credits:
Garden Design, Sarah Munster
Photography, Everett Fenton Gidley