San Rafael, California

Mature Dracena palms surround the entry court of this hill top retreat. Articulated cobblestone pavers and oversized pots with anual color anchor the dramatic sweep of the flagstone entry stair. Low landscape cheek walls providing subtle down lighting to the stairway. The family room opens onto a generous patio terrace and barbeque that flows to a lawn with a formal fountain terminus, gathered around existing mature oaks. The oak trees are under planted with rhododendron, laurel and a richly detailed perennial plantings.The swimming pool, nestled between the main house and the writer's retreat provides sweeping views to the bay. On axis is the spa and water feature with a lawn stair procession to the formal water feature.