Set in stone

The architectural significance of many houses built in the late 1800s is widely recognized, but even the grander properties are not generally renowned for their historic landscaping.

This property features a heritage Arts and Crafts-style house that has been extensively renovated. The original facade has been preserved and the interior updated to better suit modern living. To bring the landscaping up to a similar standard, the owners commissioned the services of Gregory Lombardi and Troy Sober of Gregory Lombardi Design.

"To create space for a pool and outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, we suggested removing the existing garage," Lombardi says. "The garage and a long driveway bisected the entire back yard."

A new garage was built closer to the street, and the entry to the house is now via a paved area overlooking the pool. The designers say the whole pool area is visually integrated with the house the owners can see the pool from the kitchen. The area can also be reached directly from a new games room in the basement.

Instead of the typical long rectangular pool, the designers suggested a square footprint. The pool and the bluestone-paved entertaining area are almost identical in size and shape, creating a yin and yang effect a void versus a solid square, says Lombardi.

"The geometric pattern on the paving works to accentuate that relationship."

Sober says the colour of the stone used in the outdoor living area was chosen to complement the original stone on the base of the house.

"The asymmetric fireplace was also designed to provide a visual mass that would match the solid base of the house, and the stone wall on the new garage."

An integrated spa pool has a seamless granite construction, and features a honed Autumn Brown granite weir with a curved profile.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Jamie Cobeldick