BUILDING & RENOVATION
When Design Comes Naturally
Sweenor Builders and Landscape Creations bring the outside in at this coastal Narragansett property.
B Y K A I T LY N M U R R AY | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S E T H J A C O B S O N
Following the completion of a beautiful custom build on a
picturesque two-acre parcel along the coast, a Narragansett family had achieved the
home of their dreams. Yet, something was missing. For an active group of outdoor
enthusiasts, the home wouldn’t be complete without a grand backyard space primed
for endless summer fun.
Ready to take the plunge and create their outdoor sanctuary, the homeowners
invited back Landscape Creations and Sweenor Builders, the landscape contractor
and design / build firms responsible for creating the main home and grounds on
the property. The two naturally joined forces a second time to work their magic and
make the homeowners’ vision a reality.
But the project was not without its challenges. For one, the site was located in
an historic district which required design and material approvals from the town’s
historical society. Additionally, the site was home to a number of longstanding Beech
trees that were part of a renowned landscape architect’s original design for the area
— and were not to be disturbed. Preservation constraints meant careful planning
and execution would be required to blend key elements and create an oasis that the
family seldom wanted to leave.
66 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY’S NEST |
2020
To start, Landscape Creations constructed retaining walls — camouflaged by
creative plantings like Kousa Dogwoods and climbing vines — around the Beech
trees for preservation purposes. Then, every inch of the space was considered. New
construction needed to feel harmonious in form, material, siting and scale with the
main home and surrounding neighborhood, while also offering functionality for
family activities, entertaining, relaxing and soaking in the scenery. Collaboration
resulted in a final design that clusters outdoor spaces, almost like rooms for different
uses, with a gorgeous pool and pool house at the center. Focus on landscaping and
florals keeps new additions from overwhelming the natural setting.
Noteworthy landscaping features are numerous: two superb Fieldstone firepits
with Bluestone caps and natural gas piping; a lush three-hole, synthetic turf putting
green that can be used year-round; an irregular Bluestone walkway meanders
through a vegetable garden, across the lawn and down to the lower level terrace;
and, of course, a freeform pool complete with a sun shelf and integrated swim jets
for exercising. A spacious Bluestone pool deck and patios ideal for sunning and
outdoor dining surround the pool.
And what’s a striking pool area without an equally spectacular pool house?