The entry court for this Great Falls, Va., estate presents an elliptical koi pond with a banded pool with shell motifs. The concrete basin is partially filled with river wash gravel that serves as a biofilter. The surface around the pond is pea gravel. Carter Stone walls enclose the space and are bordered by low "Green Velvet' boxwoods. Pennsylvania flagstone steps lead to the fountain.

This private residence is nestled in the undulating hills of Great Falls, Virginia. The house and gardens underwent significant alterations particularly suited for indoor and exterior entertainment. The client arranged a team of design professionals and artisans to undertake the project. The collaboration between Daniel Lee, architect, Barry Dixon, interior design, and Charles Owen, landscape architect, president of Fine Landscapes, Ltd., collaborated to bring the project to fruition. Fine Landscapes performed the exterior landscaping.

The exterior gardens landscaping was conducted in stages, beginning with the upper level concourse and the entry court. A subsequent phase involved the addition of a changing facility for the pool, a covered entertainment area, resurfacing of pool terraces and garden enhancements. The upper level concourse is on the same level as the kitchen and the day-to-day interior spaces. These spaces give way to an exterior entertainment area. The overall space is divided into four distinct spaces all connected by common walks and terraces. An outdoor fireplace combines with a built-in grill and side burner on one side, and a wet bar on the other side.

The bocce court is adjacent to the dining terrace and nestled within Linden trees and boxwoods. Bocce, a ball game within the boule (French) game family, dates back to the Roman Empire.

A large dining table affords ample room for family gatherings. Adjacent to the outdoor fireplace and service bars is another terrace, set within a bosque of linden trees. This expansive terrace affords space for larger dining parties, while still preserving an intimate setting. The trees are set within tree wells and are surrounded by cast iron tree grates. The trees are up lit, and the patio is illuminated by tree-mounted down lights.

The lighting effect is subtle and is continued into the other adjacent spaces that include a bocce court, a pergola and fountain. The pergola is constructed with AZEK synthetic lumber and the columns are fiberglass composite. Using these materials greatly reduces the maintenance associated with this garden feature.

"Little Leaf' lindens on the expansive terrace are set in tree wells, surrounded by cast iron tree grates and up-lit. The patio is illuminated by tree-mounted down lights.

The fountain feature has an external pool pump and filter that is secreted within the plantings. The shell of the fountain is poured-in-place concrete with Pennsylvania flagstone coping. An observation terrace was constructed in the second phase of the garden improvement. This terrace is connected to the pool level via a wall and step system.

The connecting steps and walls that support the observation terrace are veneered with Carderock Stone and capped with Indiana limestone. The bullnosed limestone threads were made to order. Custom iron railings feature bronze Belgium handrails. Three Haddonstone niches are set within the curved wall section and offer interest and depth to an otherwise simple stonewall. The Haddonstone planters are watered with drip irrigation spaghetti tubes.

The dining terrace offers a pergola-sheltered grill and brick-faced fireplace, a Pennsylvania flagstone patio and seating for 12.

The L-shaped pool cabana features a corner bar and covered seating area. A poolside grill is tucked away behind the covered space. The design of the covered area features heavy cedar beams and a standing seam, leaded copper roof.

The swimming pool terrace has square limestone pavers set on a diagonal pattern. The reflective character of the limestone keeps feet cool even during hot summer days.

The pergola is constructed with AZEK synthetic lumber, which the manufacturer describes as made of "cellular PVC." The pergola columns are a fiberglass composite. Pennsylvania flagstone paving and furnishings surround the pergola. The poured-in-place concrete fountain has Pennsylvania flagstone coping. The fountain pump and filter are tucked away within the plantings.

A boxwood parterre is set on axis between the pool cabana and the pool and creates a moment of interest as one approaches the pool. The Green Velvet Korean boxwoods handle pruning and have proven to be a good alternative the traditionally used English boxwood. A forced perspective is created by expanses of turf terraces beyond.

A Provençal wall fountain terminates a turf panel. This fountain feature is set on a cross axis with the boxwood parterre.

The retaining wall and columns have attractive quarried Carderock Stone veneers, a mica-schist quartzite that displays blue, brown, gray and green hues. The bullnosed Indiana limestone steps connect to the upper concourse and dining areas. The same limestone caps the walls and columns. The custom iron railings feature bronze Belgium handrails. Three niches are set within the curved wall section to offer interest and depth. The planters are watered with drip irrigation spaghetti tubes.

A Hanover Architectural paver courtyard greets arriving guest. The courtyard features a large koi pond banded by a Haddonstone pool with shell motifs. The concrete basin is partially filled with river wash gravel that serves as a biofilter. The surface around the pond is pea gravel. Pennsylvania flagstone steps lead to the pond, with Carter Stone walls and boxwood enclosing the water feature.

The successful outcome of the project was a result of collaboration between the client and the team of design professionals. This legacy project retains its aesthetic and enduring qualities 12 years after completion.

The corner bar features a wet bar sink, icemaker, under counter fridge and bar height seating.

This view from the custom-built pavilion with red cedar beams is to the pool and Indiana limestone pavers. The pavilion has a standing seam, lead-coated copper roof.