A Window to the World
The historic carriage house’s landscape was transformed align with its architectural integrity and to open it up to the community through thoughtful redesign and garden additions.
- Design Principal: Carrie Woleben-Meade
- Mariani Landscape
- Awards: 2025 Landscape Illinois Excellence in Landscape Gold Award
The landscape surrounds a historic 1869 David Adler carriage house that’s set back from a busy road which leads to a popular beach. With a steady flow of beachgoers passing by–particularly during the warmer months–the client’s vision was to capitalize on the large front lawn space and create a more traditional context, embrace the community by inviting views in. This required a major redesign that included Buckthorn removal, addition of a fountain, the framing of the front lawn with symmetrical gravel paths, the planting of perennial gardens, apple orchards, and finally the creation of patio spaces where family and friends can enjoy watching the world go by–their favorite thing to do on a lazy summer afternoon. With an architect and an interior designer in residence, remaining true to the scale and architectural tradition of the coach house remained a priority throughout.
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Prior to the landscape project, the front lawn lacked definition, outdoor living spaces, or any connecting pathways to enable ease of movement around the property. The carriage house had been encroached by overgrown plantings bordering the house that lacked color, form, and texture to complement the architecture. Gravel paths now set off the lawn from perennial gardens that feature color and a soft textural layer beneath the apple orchards that flank both sides. A palette of blue and white with touches of pink complements the color of the house.
Unlike many of the neighbors on the street who have sequestered themselves behind fences, the residents wanted to open up the front lawn space and create visibility to the street, requiring a massive buckthorn removal. The front lawn is now framed with the symmetry and crisp lines of pea gravel pathways, uniting the spaces throughout the yard. The towering old-growth elms provide a rich, historical context.
From the road, the symmetrical line of the south elevation is highlighted by a fountain constructed with a limestone surround and an antique wrought iron center sourced by the client. Beneath the branches of an old growth Oak preserved through the renovation project is the view past the fountain and through the obelisks to the street.
The terrace was built next to the house in the perfect spot to catch afternoon sun, watch the world go by, and curl up with a good summer read. A bluestone pathway now runs along the house, connecting the driveway and front entry area across to the terrace.
The entry area beneath an existing crabapple has been completely redesigned, replacing a large blacktop driveway and multiple parking spaces. Perennial gardens flank the entry with seasonally rotated containers.
A sitting garden with facing English benches is built around a focal point urn with cascading summer color. It is ringed with layers of boxwood, affording a serene vignette where there was previously only a large groundcover bed.
The redesign has successfully married functionality with aesthetic appeal, transforming the property into a welcoming space that retains its architectural integrity while encouraging engagement with the community. Overall, this project stands as a testament to thoughtful landscape design that respects historical context while embracing contemporary living, ensuring the carriage house remains a cherished landmark for years to come.
Ready to elevate your home’s architecture and tailor your landscape to fit your lifestyle? Contact us today to design a space that celebrates your unique vision and the character of your home.
