The owners of this estate like to muse that its landscape should appear “as if nature is always winning but the gardener hasn’t given up.” The historic architecture designed in 1926 by Harrie T. Lindeberg demands nothing less.  

This French Renaissance style country home is enrobed with intricate details – intentional undulations within the steeply pitched tile roof, picturesque chimneys, fretwork door hardware – and situated on six-acres that have been maintained, enhanced, and cherished by five generations of one family.  

The landscape strives to remain consistent with Lindeberg’s architecture: boxwood masses are loose, garden bed edges are rough, oak and hickory seedlings grow where they emerge. At a glance it appears nonchalant; yet the gardens are rigorously maintained. The Cutting Garden overflows with a curated palette of custom-grown annuals and a dahlia collection retained from year to year. Perennial beds at the Pool Terrace feature heirloom peonies tucked between iris, baptisia, penstemon, monarda, phlox, and aster. At the ravine’s edge, a designed perennial garden merges seamlessly into the Woodland, where mature oaks are ardently preserved as seedlings are fostered at their feet. 

It is an honor to work in the shadow of the famed landscape architects – Ferruccio Vitale and Peter Schaudt – who left their fingerprints on this estate.  

 As the property’s current landscape architect, our charge is to sustain the design intent set in motion by these masters, to oversee the property’s care, and to assist our client in developing and realizing enhancements that further their enjoyment of the grounds. Each year, we oversee landscape maintenance services, design seasonal plant rotations, manage the perennial beds and cutting garden, coordinate arboricultural services, and spearhead woodland restoration efforts. Special projects undertaken over the course of our decade-long relationship include designing the South Woodland Border and the West Facade Perennial Garden, developing the Woodland Council Ring, and retooling the pedestrian entry route.  

Throughout, the greatest joy to be had from this project is the privilege of working alongside our clients, who are as fervent about celebrating the property’s historical significance as they are passionate about enjoying and sharing this treasure with family and friends.