Winner: Artemis Landscape Architects
The surface of Kent’s Spectacle Lake reflects not only a big portion of sky and wooded hillsides, but also much of this multi-building family retreat. The entry to the 50-acre property begins at a mahogany gate supported by granite posts, from which one follows a long sinuous drive through woodlands and open fields to the lakeside dwelling. The landscape architect ensured that every location on the site be imbued with its own character. The gravel parking court is edged with meadow-like native plantings, while the swimming pool (by Drakeley Pool Company) is perched above the lake and incorporates a natural diving rock. Glass pool fencing preserves views of the lake, access to which is reached via pathways bordered by native buffer plantings. The sandy beach features swimming and boating docks. Trails lead from the lake and guest house to a basketball court and gym, pickleball and tennis courts, with plantings throughout of coneflowers, ornamental grasses, hydrangea and white birch.
Finalist: Gregory Lombardi Design
Although the open expanse of Long Island Sound is apparent the moment one enters this property known as Ledge Rock, there is a pervasive sense of intimacy and quiet that defines the house and its land. While much of the existing rock formations and trees—notably Sweetgums— were preserved, the design team blasted away some portions of the ledge to create dramatic hardscaping features, making the infinity-edge swimming pool by Meehan & Ramos Pools appear as a kind of natural grotto formed in the recesses.
The house is nestled into the hillside to take advantage of uninterrupted views of the Sound. A curved bronze-railed staircase leads to a hidden garden and putting green, and an even more secretive firepit that overlooks the water. The client emphasized that he wanted not only to foster privacy but also an impression of age and permanence. The landscaping will, indeed, continue to grow and mature and define this property as something that will endure.
Finalist: Matteson Landscape Architecture
One of the defining features of this Westport property is birdsong—for it is surrounded on two sides by an Audubon bird sanctuary. The challenge here was to create a private family oasis in what was largely a space visible to all from the road. The designers relocated the existing driveway and enclosed an area of lawn to create a private backyard. Existing walls were removed to connect the new lawn space with the pool area and to improve views to the pond.
New low seating walls were erected, and a waterfall feature was created not only for drama, but also as a means for the clients’ young son to jump into the pool. An Italian marble—a material that stays cool in the sun—was used for the terracing around the pool. A vibrant ed pergola works nearly year-round as a place for lounging and entertaining, while a giant figurative sculpture rises amid the clover-filled lawn in remembrance of the client’s mother.
