05/23/2026
Last but certainly not least, our 5th Bronze award for the evening, we have ‘Every Day Feels Like Vacation’ entered into the category Residence Greater than ½ Acre.
Starting with a blank slate on this new construction property, the possibilities were endless. Basic components from the builder’s exterior package, such as an asphalt driveway and stepping stone front entrance walk, were upgraded to create a welcoming front entrance.
The driveway 🚗 was widened, a paver border and paver driveway apron were incorporated, that tie nicely into the new solid entry walk 🚶♀️➡️, leading guests to a welcoming transitional landing at the base of the front porch steps. A decorative retaining wall was required by the transitional landing to allow for flat grounds, and the stone veneer existing on the house was utilized on the wall and decorative piers for further material continuity.
Making your way into the backyard for a real showstopper of an entertaining space, you first are met by the pavilion area, equipped with a custom gas fireplace 🔥, ample space for seating and its own bar 🍹🍸 station with mini refrigerator. This area was intended for extended season entertaining and relaxation, offering cozy nights both in the Summer ☀️ and late Fall 🍂. Incorporating a new paver material exclusively under the pavilion offers the feel of an independent space, while the layout maintains an open concept to the balance of the yard.
Steps away sits the main focal point of the yard; a new in-ground pool 🌊 with sun shelf. At the back of the pool, additional walls were incorporated to accommodate the steep slope towards the back of the property, and to achieve the flat entertaining space. Situated between the pool & house entrance is the central dining 🍽️ area, including an outdoor kitchen 🍔 steps away from the home’s rear entrance for easy transition in and out of the interior.
Plantings throughout the front & rear yard offer a combination of purposes. The year round greenery 🌱 along the front foundation soften the hardscaping and stone veneer on the home. Ample planting bed space can be utilized for seasonal plantings and allow room for perennials 🌼 to grow providing dynamic color and texture throughout the seasons. Evergreen 🌲 trees offer a soft screening from neighbors and allow the pavilion area to feel secluded. Clusters of perennials 🌻 and grasses provide softness against both utilities and the masonry work, and the planting bed behind the pool allows for seasonal annuals 🌸 & tropicals 🌺 for bold splashes of color during pool season.
Big shout out to our trade partners like Pinto Pools, Rudden’s Plumbing & Heating & Friends Irrigation for helping with this awesome project! Thanks to suppliers like Joseph Marando Nurseries, Contractor’s Market and Half Hollow Nursery, our client will enjoy their landscape for years to come! We’re blessed to be surrounded by great customers, vendors & suppliers alike!
