Arlington Virginia Landscape Design & Construction

2023 Landscape Contractors Association Grand Award Recipient

The story of the project as told by the client.

A Family Retreat That Maximizes Outdoor Living Space in Arlington, VA

Custom home builder Kyle Mosteller of Bespoke Builder, LLC, wanted a landscape that would showcase the beauty of his newly constructed family home. And he wanted amenities that would make it a preferred destination for his family of eight and their friends.

The tight lot space called for some “inside the box” creative thinking to develop the perfect complement to his gorgeous home.

“The results were terrific. With the problems we were facing, I was worried I would have to “live with” my yard, and instead, our family truly enjoys it.

Big Ambitions for a Small Space

The Mosteller’s homesite posed three challenges: 

Leading the landscape design team, Chad Talton PLA created a plan that melds privacy, space for all guests to enjoy, and those “specific” plantings required by the county because… that’s what we do!

Weathering Storm Management

Protecting the local watershed is a noble goal, but three massive concrete infiltration boxes created an eyesore in the backyard. We made them disappear using a strategic layout and a variety of plantings to blend them into the background.

They took a challenging part of the job and cleverly and artistically integrated it into the final designs

Free Play With an Emphasis on Safety

Six kids need room to run wild and have fun. So, the design needed a pool and a designated play area. Since the backyard is higher than the home, we laid out these areas so that there is a clear line of sight from the house to the pool and play area, which lets parents keep an eye out.

“I love that my backyard has space where my wife and I can watch our kids run on the lawn and play catch while also incorporating a sizeable hardscape patio where we can dine and entertain guests

Dining al Fresco

The homeowners love to share a family meal outdoors or relax by a warm fire in the adjoining outdoor living room. The custom outdoor kitchen includes a built-in fridge for ice-cold beverages. The combination dining area and firepit share a low wall that defines the space but doesn’t obstruct views of the pool.
“We wanted different areas in the yard, and they produced a design that allows for a smooth flow between the spaces without treading on the lawn.

Shade That Doesn’t Hide the Showpiece

County regulations called for shade trees. The design team selected trees that would beautifully frame the home without obstructing views.

The front yard complements and highlights the architecture. The planting plan incorporates the owner’s favorite roses and hollies, pruned to be the backup singers to the star of the view (the new home!).

“The tree selection was so strategic that it meets shade requirements and showcases our home, and we get to enjoy them.

Major Privacy/Minor Footprint

Privacy screening for their outdoor activities was a priority for the family, but they didn’t want a solid fence. We identified the ideal evergreen foliage that blocks the view with a visually pleasing green wall.

An Outdoor Living Environment That Rivals the Great Indoors

Careful attention to sightlines highlights the aesthetic characteristics of the finished yard while disguising the functional parts.

There is ample space to play, relax, and stroll in the backyard while presenting the home with an impeccable front yard.

“We didn’t think all of our needs could be met in the space we had, but we trusted the design process and achieved something beyond our biggest dreams

Welcome to Luxury Living

Appealing transitions and elevation changes accented by lighting, landscaping, and illuminated risers in the steps, present an appealing street view of the home.

The design invites the viewer to take in the architecture, expertly framed by the landscaping.

What’s next?

Schedule a consultation and start our simple four-step process!

1

We walk the property together, talk about the possibilities, and agree to a plan of action.

DREAM IT

2

We listen to your ideas, pitch some of our own, pick the best ones, and put them together in a landscape design plan that fulfills your wish list.

DESIGN IT

3

Enjoy the show as our skilled craftsmen transform your property. Relax while we manage every detail of construction.

BUILD IT

4

Bask in confidence. Know that our meticulous garden care team will protect and nurture your newly installed landscape in the seasons ahead.

LOVE IT

READY TO GO? Schedule Consultation with a registered landscape architect

We’d like to let you in on a little secret…

eBook offer: The Secret to Surrounds Landscapes for Outdoor Living

Find out what it would be like to work with a landscape architecture firm that cares as much about your dream as you do.