Rustic Lakeside Retreat | Branford, Connecticut
Plantings and natural stonework designed to fit into the surroundings, as if they had always been there. Every day feels like a vacation in this backyard. The area was previously filled with dirt and weeds — by creatively incorporating stone, we can turn areas that have been neglected or unusable into fun, functional, and beautiful outdoor living spaces. Granite slabs were used here to create stairs and pathways that lead to a new patio and fire pit, as well as the existing dock.
A natural and rustic look was crafted thanks to a mix of understory perennials and shrubs planted in and around the granite patio and steps, with added mosses in some of the stone joints of the patio. This patio features native granite sourced from a local Connecticut quarry, making it a sustainable and resourceful build. Natural stone brings that inviting, relaxing feel that we all wish for at home.
A unique firewood rack designed with granite monoliths makes for an eye-catching feature and conversation starter. This firewood rack is a prime example of how using natural stone features can elevate something functional into something artistic and beautiful. The rustic design suits the surroundings and ties into the granite stepping stone path that leads you through the landscape.
Granite stepping stones lead you naturally through the landscape, down from the house and to a new fire pit patio. The stones provide stable footing, yet retain an organic, weathered charm. Each path is framed with naturalized plantings and larger boulders creating a lush contrast against the rugged texture of the stones. The plantings also add a gentle softness to the hardscape, as the path meanders gracefully through the surroundings.
We creatively used naturally grown fern sod sourced from the woods of Maine as a solution to bring life to this shady yard. Delivered over seven hours to Connecticut from the lush forests of Maine, the fern sod creates an instant hardy ground cover for an otherwise tough growing environment. Its hardy nature helps it to withstand the challenges of the environment, such as varying temperatures and limited sunlight. With its resilience, the fern sod truly transforms the land into a flourishing and inviting space. The gentle rustling of the fern fronds as they sway in the breeze also add a soothing, natural melody to the ambiance of this lakeside retreat.
