An active Wellesley family of four sought to reimagine their backyard to provide engaging activity spaces with an inviting rustic feel. A pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and an expanded patio space offers ample opportunity to maximize their time in their new outdoor living area.
about this property
Wellesley, MA | Wellesley, MA | This Wellesley backyard retreat was designed to turn an underused property into a warm, highly livable outdoor environment for family life and entertaining. A raised pool and spa transform a forgotten corner into a defining focal point, while mature trees and large, irregular bluestone coping give the water’s edge the character of a woodland swimming hole.
The expanded bluestone patio creates generous space for gathering and includes a built-in grill and fieldstone fireplace, allowing the backyard to function as both a quiet private retreat and a natural setting for hosting family and friends. Rich planting at the patio edges softens the stonework, adds texture and seasonal interest, and strengthens the sense of enclosure.
At the center of the landscape, a broad lawn provides structure and clarity, linking the pool, patio, and surrounding activity areas into one cohesive composition. More than open space, the lawn acts as both destination and transition, supporting recreation, play, and easy movement throughout the property. Existing and new materials are integrated carefully so the finished landscape feels unified and grounded in its setting rather than newly imposed upon it.
Generous planting layers reinforce privacy, frame views, and bring warmth to the experience of the garden. The result is a backyard that feels refined yet relaxed, with distinct spaces for swimming, dining, gathering, and everyday outdoor living.
The expanded bluestone patio creates generous space for gathering and includes a built-in grill and fieldstone fireplace, allowing the backyard to function as both a quiet private retreat and a natural setting for hosting family and friends. Rich planting at the patio edges softens the stonework, adds texture and seasonal interest, and strengthens the sense of enclosure.
At the center of the landscape, a broad lawn provides structure and clarity, linking the pool, patio, and surrounding activity areas into one cohesive composition. More than open space, the lawn acts as both destination and transition, supporting recreation, play, and easy movement throughout the property. Existing and new materials are integrated carefully so the finished landscape feels unified and grounded in its setting rather than newly imposed upon it.
Generous planting layers reinforce privacy, frame views, and bring warmth to the experience of the garden. The result is a backyard that feels refined yet relaxed, with distinct spaces for swimming, dining, gathering, and everyday outdoor living.
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project details
Location: Wellesley, MA (02481)
Features: raised pool, bluestone patio, built-in grill, fieldstone fireplace, central lawn, privacy planting
Project Type: family-focused outdoor living
Services: landscape design, construction, seasonal planting, maintenance, irrigation
Landscape Design: a Blade of Grass
Features: raised pool, bluestone patio, built-in grill, fieldstone fireplace, central lawn, privacy planting
Project Type: family-focused outdoor living
Services: landscape design, construction, seasonal planting, maintenance, irrigation
Landscape Design: a Blade of Grass
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