Located on the Sakonnet Bluff in Portsmouth, Rhode Island’s eastern shore this new home maximizes the connection to its natural environment and scenic water views.

Old stone walls, open meadows, specimen trees, and glimpses of water form this pastoral landscape. The developmental requirements called for a minimum 30 percent of lot to be planted, and trees heights were limited to avoid blocking views of adjacent homes.

The home was sited on the upper third of the slope, in collaboration with the architect to allow views for both levels of the house. A small pool carved into the hill with stone retaining walls sits above the house and patio both to integrate with the natural slope and allow more privacy in this open landscape. The front entry and walk are defined by a low old granite curb edge wall, with minimally paved and planted areas to keep the view uninterrupted. Areas away from the house and downhill are maintained as natural meadows with the exception of a raingarden that is planted with native shrubs and collects stormwater on site as part of this new development.

The material palette includes old granite pavers, curbs and solid steps mixed in with new permeable pavers, and full color bluestone, to tie this new modern home to its pastoral landscape.

The new permeable driveway court leads to the backyard patio through a grove of birches, black gum trees and step stones. A small patio, with a custom stone firepit, outdoor kitchen and dining area sits below the elevated pool deck. An outdoor shower is tucked in.  A minimal pool deck for lounging and grassed area surrounded by shrubs and grasses form the upper pool deck. A custom fence, based on hog wire fences, envelopes the pool, and patio to disappear and blend in with the plantings and open meadow. Plantings are simple and include native coastal plants blended with specimen trees, grasses and pollinators that bring in the seasonal colors and textures while keeping the landscape easy to maintain and blend in with its surrounding.