For clients renovating a craftsman bungalow on a sloping Hudson Valley site, a sculptural stone wall became the defining gesture in the landscape and highlights the changing role landscape architects will play in the future, as they observe and respond more sensitively to existing landscapes and topographies, absorb what needs to be addressed and propose improvements to the environment with minimally invasive interventions.

This site presented two contradictory characters, the historic rural and agricultural, and the more contemporary town-like. The design interventions and stonework help to carefully knit these together and bring both into balance through sensitive, restrained design and implementation. The curving, serpentine wall weaves through the property in varied forms and scales, grounding the architecture and home in its Hudson Valley context. The wall wraps around the home and driveway, before tapering back into the hillside—both supporting the house above and retaining grades along the driveway below. Throughout, locally quarried Alcove stone—installed by a master stonemason—unifies and elevates the design. Adjacent to the home, the stonework frames an intimate patio space, pervious riverstone defines the courtyard, leading to stepped seating for gathering and beds for planting. It transitions to courtyard steps and pool edging. To minimize environmental impact, existing concrete hardscaping and retaining walls were used as fill for the new walls. The existing steps and pathway from the street were restored rather than rebuilt.

Tall hornbeams screen critical areas on the narrow site, adding privacy. Above the patio at the crest of the hill, an existing lap pool is discreetly tucked into the lawn, its edges softened by native oaks and layered plantings that buffer the street. The lawn transitions to a hillside meadow on the east side, descending toward a wooded stream below. Mown paths wind through the meadow, inviting exploration. Close coordination with the architectural and interiors teams ensured a cohesive experience, inside and out. Views, movement and scale were all closely considered. Steps down to the courtyard are seamless from inside, despite the varied elevations into the home.

From the start the owners advocated for native plantings and restoring the oak population. Nine new native Oak trees were planted, along with hundreds of other native trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses. Food production in the form of native blueberries was incorporated into the expanded shrub border, providing additional food and habitat for birds and small mammals. Native meadow was restored around the pool installation. Managing invasives, preserving marsh areas, and giving the land room to breathe and evolve were shared goals.

Today, the client plays an active role in the garden, fostering continued stewardship. The result is a landscape that honors its site, supports ecological health, and deepens the clients’ connection to place.