Design Notebook: Feb. 2001

A land survey located natural springs below a concrete basin in the hillside 10 feet above the lake. Other springs on the property were found to be the source of flooding in the guesthouse. Given the natural flow of the rainwater, soil was carried and deposited on the tennis court.

Redevelopment of the historical residence created another drainage problem when the construction of an L-shaped addition to the main house interrupted the natural drainage from the house to the lake. In addition, the owners wanted to maintain the natural landscape while constructing new drive courts, fountains, a new tennis court and swimming pool, as well as creating multiple terraces joined by grass walkways that would be aesthetically pleasing on the property.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS. SBC took advantage of a natural option to solve the drainage problems from the storm water runoff and accumulation of onsite spring water. A grotto was designed and built into the slope in a natural open area 10 feet above the lake. The recently discovered concrete basin became the foundation of a bowl constructed of 450 tons of northern Wisconsin outcropping stone slabs to hold the soil in place. This stone pool in the center of the grotto has a lake view on one side and now functions as the main water collection point on the property.

Redbuds, crab apples, hawthorns and Juneberries form the structure planting creating a serene stone room that includes a bridge, seating area, shrubs, perennials and aquatic plantings. The planting of a honey locust tree visually separates the grotto from the house, and 3,000 hyacinth and daffodil bulbs bring a spring explosion of scent and color. With the addition of pumps and pipes, SBC created flowing waterfalls, which added soft sounds to the seductive retreat.

The design of the property creates a number of distinct spaces. A series of paths forms a strong axis linking rooms with other rooms waiting in surprise, thus leading visitors from one experience to another through the outdoor rooms.

And the paths feature variety: lawn walkways with a drainage system underneath to keep them firm; steppers in the lawn itself; crushed gravel paths held in place by steel edging; and flagstone paths. The pool area - including the swimming pool, spa, and fountain - incorporates Colorado stone to complement the Spanish terracotta tile roof. On the croquet court, a bentgrass lawn covers the underlying drainage system, with seating areas and perennials on the sides.

A quarter-mile winding entry drive bordered by a brick curb and a drive court with lush plantings greets guests. Plantings of Norway spruce separate the tennis court area from other areas. The tennis area also includes an Adirondack-style arbor with vines and contains a shade garden filled with Hosta, Astilbe and Hydrangea.

Casa del Sueno now serves as the secluded paradise that the owners envisioned when renovation began. The project took more than three years to complete, but the enjoyment and beauty derived from this carefully-designed and detailed plan will last for years to come.