The House Upon the Hill

A Home Framed by Landscape

The home was designed with a generous setback from the northern boundary, creating the rare opportunity to surround it with landscape on three sides. That move shaped the entire garden landscaping design. Rather than treating the outdoors as a front or back garden, we created a continuous landscape envelope, so every window opens to a considered outlook, not boundary lines or hard surfaces.

Built Elements That Ground the Architecture

From the beginning, our landscape construction plan focused on making the outdoor areas feel expansive, while still offering intimate places to retreat. Depending on the season or time of day, there is always a spot that feels “just right”, whether that’s a sunny edge for morning coffee, a sheltered nook when the wind picks up, or a shaded position when summer settles in.

A strong material palette was key. Natural limestone crazy paving was selected underfoot for its warmth, texture, and timeless character, and it continues into the pool to create a seamless visual flow between garden and water. Alongside the stonework, bespoke decking adds comfort and practicality, supporting entertaining and everyday living with a relaxed, barefoot-friendly feel.

To soften the home’s crisp white exterior and introduce warmth, rustic hardwood was used overhead. Beyond shade, it brings rhythm and shelter, visually anchoring the architecture into the garden so the transition from inside to out feels settled and natural.

Planting for Texture, Privacy, and Instant Maturity

Planting was treated as both structure and atmosphere. Textural layers complement the built elements, with feature palms and trees craned into place to create immediate impact. This gives the landscape a sense of maturity from day one, while also shaping microclimates across the site through canopy cover, dappled light, and privacy.

The result is a landscape that performs in every direction. It frames the architecture, elevates the outlook, and supports how the home is used day to day, all while capturing that quiet resort feeling the client was chasing.

Design team: Matt Leacy and Tom Wright

Interior Designer: Briony Fitzgerald Design