In 2023, we began design work on this gable-front vernacular cottage in the heart of Queen Anne. Our clients — a young couple with a growing family — pour their time, resources, and hearts into restoring this elegant home in a way that’s updated yet traditional. With their help and in-depth knowledge about early 20th century design, we shared a goal of creating an authentic outdoor space.

We achieved this through detailed craftsmanship and natural materials. We created a sense of cohesion by consistently using Pennsylvania bluestone throughout the design. The main entrance features three types of stone: Valdes risers, locally-quarried Bandera Granite, and the aforementioned bluestone. We set the risers first to create natural steps. We then integrated these risers into the main feature of the entrance, a hand-built dry-stack terraced granite wall, designed to create visual interest, depth, and planting beds. A custom-built handrail guides visitors to a dimensional pattern bluestone paver landing leading to the front door.

In the garden, we built an irregular flagstone pathway and stone risers dotted with creeping thyme to soften the edges. We designated spaces for annual food production and placed pollinator-friendly plants throughout. In the side yards, we built pathways with large dimensional pavers to create crisp sight lines. In the backyard, we constructed a patio with off-set dimensional pavers and filled the gaps with cozy Irish moss. Lastly, we built a driveway with Eco-Priora permeable pavers to sink water back into the landscape.

As a result, this handmade hardscape and modern cottage garden strikes a balance between new and old and feels right at home. When walking by, this home stops us in our tracks and radiates quality craftsmanship and love.