This beautiful brick home rests on the crest of a hill with the surrounding property sloping down in all directions. The intense grade of the property and former driveway made access to the house during winter storms nearly impossible. Prompted by safety concerns, the homeowners hired Ventures to remap the property and build a new driveway, easily accessible in any weather. Always up for a challenge, Ventures created an incredibly textured brick driveway, arching up the hillside between ledge rock retaining walls and gorgeous landscape beds of Shenandoah grasses, river birch, and black hills spruce. It culminates in a magnificent turnaround, laid in the same modular pattern as the driveway, with accent lines radiating from the herringbone center and tracing the borders of the driveway and walking paths.
Because of the steep grade of the property, the walking paths are combined with ledge rock steps leading you up and down the hillside, from house to patio and gardens. Garden beds of Annabelle hydrangea, holly, dwarf Hamlin grasses, and eastern redbuds are gracefully planted along the paths, blending the pristine masonry with the natural surroundings.
Behind the house, an existing balcony was expanded to create an opulent upper deck with a covered patio below. The tongue and groove ceiling of the covered patio features recessed lighting, a ceiling fan, and outdoor speakers. The patio continues along the back of the house with a fire pit and lounge area. Another set of ledge rock steps leads up to the home’s sunroom, or down to a grassy lawn and surrounding woods.
Fully approved by the city and fire department for safety and accessibility, and by the homeowners for beauty and grace, it is a success all around!