Pool House and Pavilion

The Big Idea: Give serious consideration to where you build significant structures. The placement of the pool house is what set the rest of this garden in motion. Modeled after a stable, it sits adjacent to the pavilion. Together, they created the original two sides of the first garden room. The pergola then completed the enclosure.

The Plants: Paired American boxwoods (Buxus sempervirens) flank the formal lawn. At each end, pyramidal 'Emily Bruner' hollies (Ilex 'Emily Bruner') are centered within a hedge of variegated boxwoods (B. sempervirens 'Elegantissima'). Three chaste trees (Vitex agnus-castus) anchor the sides of the pavilion.

The Details: The pavilion gains importance by being raised three steps above grade. Low, wide stone steps run its entire width.