The lake terrace

The problem

A tall laurel hedge blocked the lake from the house, and the only flat ground was a strip of lawn too narrow for a table.

What we decided

1. Remove the laurel and replace it with lower native shrubs that frame the view instead of hiding it
2. A stone dining terrace stepped down from the house, wide enough for ten
3. Lighting on the steps and under the trees, nothing pointing at the water
4. Planting chosen for winter structure, since the view is best on clear winter days

The result

The lake is back in view from the kitchen, there is a terrace for long dinners, and the garden holds its shape through winter.

We had lived here eleven years without seeing the water from the kitchen. That is the whole review.

Town

Mercer Island

Lot

Lakeside lot with an overgrown hedge

Service

Patios, terraces and stone walls

Timeline

owner adds

Investment

owner adds range