Traditional Lake Home Landscape - Oconomowoc, WI

Château de Fleurs

2016 Gold Award for Excellence in Residential Landscape Design and Construction - Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association

The impetus for our clients to contact us was the failure of an existing concrete block retaining wall. Their goal was to do more than just replace the wall. In their minds, the entire property needed a complete makeover with the first phase focusing on the front. The subdivision interestingly was once part of a monastery, and an original stone wall and columns marking the boundary of the monastery grounds sat on the corner of our clients’ property. To highlight this historic element, we suggested building a matching stone column which could double as an address marker and lamp post.

Because the home sits on the shore of Lac La Belle, we focused on using more natural materials for the balance of the hardscaping. The retaining wall alongside the driveway was recreated in Fond du Lac outcropping with tiered areas for plants. Our client wanted plant variety, which we accomplished along with continuous color and seasonal interest.

As the existing stamped concrete front porch and steps were deteriorating, our client asked for suggestions. Knowing that the phase two patio we had designed would be full range bluestone, we suggested the same material for the porch with blue bluestone treads. A new colored concrete driveway was part of phase one, so we took that as an opportunity to create an “outdoor foyer” in front of the steps.

The new landscape stops passersby in their tracks and makes the French Country style home feel more at place with its site and surroundings.