Project Spotlight: Big Style in a Small Space—Tour the Concord Backyard Transformation
Project Spotlight: Big Style in a Small Space—Tour the Concord Backyard Transformation
At first glance, Huntington Woods might not seem like the place you'd expect to find a backyard entertainment space this bold—but that's exactly what makes our Concord project so special. On a lot with just 3,500 square feet of outdoor space in back, our team designed and built a luxurious, multi-functional backyard oasis that blends modern minimalism with timeless charm.
The home itself is a stately brick residence with Tudor and Georgian Revival influences—a perfect example of the architectural character that defines this historic neighborhood. We made it our mission to honor that legacy while introducing sleek, modern elements that bring the backyard into the present with intention and style.
This build is proof that you don’t need a large lot to create something epic—you just need thoughtful design, smart layout, and a clear creative vision.
Framing the First Impression: Front Yard Landscaping
While the backyard is the showstopper, the front of the Concord property also received a thoughtful makeover—designed to reflect the same balance of structure and simplicity found in the rear space.
We began by reworking the front landscaping to echo the clean lines and symmetry that define the backyard. Boxwood hedges planted in crisp, geometric patterns create visual structure and year-round greenery. Flanking beech trees offer seasonal color and vertical balance, drawing the eye toward the entry.
The original front walk was redesigned with a new paver walkway laid in a combination of Techo-Bloc Valet in Onyx Black and Unilock Courtstone in Basalt. This path leads directly to the front door and sets the tone for the refined material palette used throughout the rest of the build.
Just like the backyard, the front landscape blends traditional charm with contemporary restraint, giving the home a polished, high-impact presence from the street.
Designing With Purpose—and Precision
The existing home is a stately blend of Tudor and Georgian Revival architecture, featuring rich red brick, limestone details, and elegant, symmetrical proportions. Our design goal was to create a backyard that felt like a natural extension of the home’s historic character, while still delivering the clean, contemporary look Ventures is known for.
To achieve this balance:
We built with matching house brick and limestone veneer, used on the lanai columns and outdoor kitchen to echo the home's exterior palette.
The custom spa and 14-foot linear fire feature are clad in natural limestone, adding warmth and continuity across the space.
We introduced modern contrast through materials and geometry—like the frameless glass railing, geometric turf inlays, and crisp concrete slab pathways for a modern visual punch.
The result is a cohesive design where historic and modern elements meet in harmony, creating a space that feels fresh, clean, and highly functional.
The Spa as the Centerpiece
At the heart of the Concord build is a custom gunite spa—a striking, limestone-wrapped structure that doesn’t just sit in the center of the yard, but defines the entire layout.
From every angle, the spa is the focal point around which the rest of the design orbits:
On one side, it faces the lanai, seamlessly connected to the house and framed by modern brick-and-limestone columns.
On another, it sits across from the converted garage living space, which includes a full kitchen and lounge.
And on the third side, the spa looks toward a 14-foot elongated fire feature, also faced in limestone, adding warmth, symmetry, and nighttime drama.
Rather than being tucked away as a secondary feature, the spa was intentionally elevated—visually and functionally—to become the showpiece of this outdoor living space. Its placement brings structure to the layout, encourages flow between zones, and offers a luxurious destination whether you're soaking, lounging nearby, or simply enjoying the view.
Not Just a Garage: A Key Part of the Entertainment Space
The garage on this property was already a standout—a pre-existing structure finished as a full indoor living space, complete with a kitchen, island seating, TV lounge, and even a cozy loft. While Ventures did not design or build the garage itself, it plays a vital role in the layout of the backyard, helping to form a three-sided courtyard around the central spa.
Where Ventures stepped in was to extend that functionality outdoors. Along the exterior of the garage, we designed and built a fully equipped outdoor kitchen using the same blend of house brick and limestone veneer found throughout the property. The kitchen features:
A built-in grill
Refrigeration
Ample counter space and storage
Trash disposal
And a separate island with barstool seating on both sides
To enhance the atmosphere and make this area shine at night, market lights were strung overhead, bringing a warm, festive glow to this corner of the yard.
This addition turns the side of the garage into a true culinary hub and strengthens the overall function and flow of the backyard—seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living.
Under Cover: The Flat Roof Lanai
Attached to the back of the home is a flat-roof lanai, a modern choice that provides clean lines and functional coverage. Inside:
Recessed heaters and recessed lighting provide comfort and glow
The tongue and groove paneled ceiling adds texture and a bespoke feel
Track lighting around the panel edges adds subtle drama and depth
This covered lounge frames the view across the backyard, making the entire outdoor space feel like a private courtyard.
Takeaway Tip: Smart Design Maximizes Any Backyard
When space is limited, smart layout is everything. The Concord project shows how:
Material continuity creates visual cohesion
Turf can be more than just groundcover—it can be a design tool
Anchoring a space with a central feature like a raised spa or fire feature brings balance and focus
Modern and classic styles can be woven together beautifully when materials are chosen with intention
Inspired? Let’s Build Something Beautiful Together.
Have a small backyard with big potential? Let's talk. If you’re ready to reimagine your entire outdoor space, the Ventures team specializes in creating elevated outdoor living—no matter the lot size.
Browse our portfolio for more project inspiration.