©istockphoto.com / Arita Cimermane
“The seasons in the landscape, much like the seasons of one’s life, are to be embraced, appreciated and weathered.” — Robin Kramer
When it comes to the seasons, an adaptable landscape is always a challenge. In northern climates, the focus is too often on the fleeting warmer months where blossoms are abundant and beautiful. Into late fall, the vibrant leaves have fallen and a bare winter — and landscape — sets in. In warmer areas, the challenge is less about the seasons and more about weather extremes such as droughts or rain.
We talked to luxury landscape designers about how they work through the challenges of the changing seasons and find beauty in the landscape all year long.
A Strong Framework
“I consider structure to be the most critical component in any garden. A successful garden design will look good in any season if the bones of the garden are well designed,” says New York City-based Landscape Designer Robin Kramer. “Paths, walls, edging, hedges, pergolas and water features are the permanent features that make a garden strong and confident. The flowering plant material is the dressing of the landscape and can easily be modified based on the desires of the gardener.”
“Ideally, a landscape is something that transitions throughout the year and it has its glory days throughout every season,” says Vermont-based Landscape Designer Ashley J. Robinson. “They are rarely looking for a one-shot wonder with a full-on explosion of bloom in the spring.”
Robinson seeks out materials such as wood, metal or other elements that are not herbaceous in order to craft a composition that is visually intriguing despite the blooms, or lack of blooms. “Natural stone, boulders, outcropping in the garden. A well-intentioned feature is important for a winter garden.”
Similarly, Teresa Watkins, a Master Gardener and specialized horticulturist for over 20 years in Florida, relies on hardscape and garden art to design spaces that truly fit a client’s personality, while at the same time ensuring the health and sustainability of the landscape. “I have an ongoing two-year project designing a formal estate landscape with a rose garden with walls, a faux stone bridge, butterfly garden, water features, orchard, meandering pathways and poolscaping.”
An architectural framework is key to high-end landscape, and Pennsylvania-based Landscape Designer Donald Pell is an expert at finding a balance of this within a range of vernaculars — from English-style to modern. “Our work always includes thoughtfully designed architectural spaces. These can be simple and they can be very substantial,” he says. “Right now, I am building a very large promenade through a woodland
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A beautiful wild garden crafted by Vermont Landscape Designer Ashley J. Robinson. Photo courtesy of Ashley J. Robinson. |
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Donald Pell Gardens gave this 1700s Colonial Farmhouse garden an update with native and cosmopolitan plants used to evoke the regional landscape. Photo courtesy of Donald Pell. |
that I would describe as very classical, and the plantings are very much impressionistic woodland. I specified hand-cut fieldstone curbing with paths that has a Pennsylvania Colonial feel, and I really like bond pattern paving details angled from the home, which tend to be very modernist.”
When it comes to warmer climates, such as those of the Sun Belt, structure has less to do with looking good throughout bare seasons, but more to do with a landscape that can sustain year-round outdoor living. “For contemporary homes in Southern California, the indoors rolls right outside,” says landscape architect Scott Zucker. “You’ve got enormous sliding doors with pocket entry, kitchen and family rooms that pour right out onto the terrace.” In designing these homes, materials that can withstand the outdoors, but also look just as beautiful indoors is the challenge. A huge trend, Zucker points out, is utilizing porcelain or ceramic pavers that not only keep a stunning transitional look, but also require very little maintenance.
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Above, an outdoor portico crafted from stone at a Southern California residence designed by Scott Zucker of Zucker Design Associates, Inc. Below, an arbor for a Laguna Beach residence offers an eye-catching landscaping feature. Top photo courtesy of Jeri Koegal. Bottom photo courtesy of Scott Zucker. |
The Four Seasons
“The seasons themselves aren’t a challenge, but an exciting opportunity,” says Pell. “Even thinking about texture and emotion of the dead tissue of herbaceous plants can be an opportunity to compose something beautiful. It’s the same as working anywhere in the world — there are opportunities and constraints.”
While spring and summer’s spotlight is on the flower, that shifts completely when fall arrives. “I never focus on just the flower,” advises Pell. “They are just too ephemeral. They are, of course, an important component, but the structures of the plantings at their worst is where I start. I am looking for plants that look very beautiful in a given composition, and I want the composition to be able to hold up in extremes of weather.”
“Designing through the seasons takes careful planning and a thorough understanding horticulturally on the attributes of trees and plants,” says Kramer. “Floral succession bloom is created by selecting perennials that will create a parade of flowers from spring through to the first frost. This is supported by spring bulbs and flowering trees.”
“In fall, we plant thousands of spring bulbs. It is a late task in season, but such an important one,” continues Kramer. “In the spring, I want the ground to be punctured with green shoots pushing their way forward, poising for their bloom. After months of frigid temperatures and inches, even feet, of snow, New England begins to warm. Those rather odd-looking bulbs we planted are now a sure sign of spring and a reminder that we too, have survived another winter.”
“There’s a lot to be said for winter in the garden,” says Robinson. “It requires you to not do a lot of cut back or maintenance. Generally speaking, you should wait out the things you don’t want there, such as foliage debris and leaf litter — these things are good for increasing organic matter in the soil. You shouldn’t scrape landscape bare — it’s all about layering and allowing that to happen naturally.”
Warmer Climates
While places with warmer climates, such as Southern California or Florida, don’t have the challenges of designing through autumn and winter, they do have seasons of their own: dry season, fire season, and wet season.
“The water use in California really drives what we can and can’t do,” says Zucker, who mentions WELO (Modern Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance) and fire departments regulations, as well as restrictions on paving and the amount of non-permeable landscape a property is allowed to have. “One of the trends that is big in California these days — necessitated by lack of water — is drought-tolerant plants.” These include plants such as succulents or agaves that also offer stunning structural plant material that really create a powerful look for a landscape.
“When I’m working on my designs, I take into account not necessarily annuals or perennials, but the permanent flowers that clients especially desire so that at any time of the year it will be blooming,” says Zucker. “I tend to group plant material together to give a bigger impact. Instead of giving too many species, I pare it down so that aesthetically, from the front yard to the backyard, the whole landscape ties together.”
While Zucker is looking for colorful plantings that can withstand the lack of water, places like Florida experience the opposite — with a wet season that lasts at least half of the year. “Florida winter season can be dramatic. We can go from 85 degrees one day to 28 degrees the next, which is not enough time for tropical plants to acclimate to cooler temperatures,” says Watkins. “The other issues are temperatures averaging 85 degrees for six to seven months out of the year, where our plants can be growing all year, and over 50 inches of rain.”
It’s in these areas where irrigation designers are needed most fevertly along with specialized consideration of the amount of sunlight, soil moisture, soil pH — all extremes associated with the tropics. Without seasonal change, there is also a shortage of compost, plant material and nutrients, which is easily received each fall with the turning of the seasons in other parts of the country.
“I often say, all of life’s lessons are learned in the garden,” says Kramer. “Each season delivers reminders and rituals. It is the moments on which lives are built and cherished.”
From California and Utah to Vermont and Upstate New York, ski lodges throughout the country are embracing luxury mountain lifestyles.
Translating into residential real estate, it is no surprise that ski lodge mountain-style design continues to grow in popularity among homebuyers.
Blending rustic style with modern features, this stunning cabin — located in Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, California — is the epitome of a luxury mountain living.
With a pitched roof and oversized deck, granite chimneys on either end leading to generous fireplaces, and a warm-toned interior, the 4,200-square-foot estate was designed by BCV Architecture + Interiors. Boasting a bright and airy floor plan, the home’s design was inspired by a traditional ski lodge. From the large windows, cozy fireplaces, and the use of wood and stone, no detail was forgotten.
We spoke with Hans Baldauf, co-founding principal at BCV Architecture + Interiors, who shares must-have design elements when creating a traditional ski lodge. He also predicts a few upcoming mountain living design trends for 2019.
Incorporate Wood and Stone
In 2019, Baldauf predicts that homebuyers will lean toward “the balance of classic, organic materials — like wood and stone — used in a modern way, with clean lines.
Embracing stone accents, this home features granite chimneys on both sides of the house.
“The rugged natural quality of the stone felt appropriate because of Overland Trail Cabin’s setting high in the Sierra,” says Baldauf.
In terms of the use of wood, “cedar was a natural choice for BCV when designing the exterior because it adapts well to the climate and looks beautiful over time.”
Embrace Natural Light
Homebuyers are also looking to embrace natural light and expansive glazing in 2019. “Whereas traditional mountainside dwellings might feel more closed-off or protected, BCV finds that our clients increasingly want to bring the experience of living in the forest/mountainside into the home. Large windows and glass doors help to create a better connection with the outdoors,” Baldauf says.
Overland Trail Cabin was designed to take full advantage of its unique site, which includes stunning views of the surrounding forest and the nearby slopes of Mount Disney.“Windows at each level bring an abundance of natural light into the interior, and the orientation of the home creates a wonderful change in light throughout the day,” Baldauf says.
Stick with Warm and Neutral Colors
The use of warm and neutral colors helps to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a traditional ski lodge. “Overland Trail Cabin incorporates natural materials with a regional focus, and BCV found that these colors complement the use of stone and wood throughout the house,” Baldauf says.
Stay cozy with fireplaces
The use of fireplaces is also very important when creating a warm and intimate home. “BCV designed this home as a place that would feel appropriate in hosting large groups and gatherings as well as providing a cozy mountain getaway. With this in mind… a fireplace anchors the living area and contributes to a cozy, intimate feel to this part of the great room,” Baldauf explains.
Build a Pitched Roof
Both practical and aesthetic, the home’s pitched roof “works to shed snow away from the deck and entry areas of the home, while also referencing the pitched roof of the Wurster-designed village lodge,” according to Baldauf.
Photos courtesy of Vance Fox
Chalets originated in Switzerland and other alpine regions and are best known for their wooden features, prominent eaves, and convenient proximity to ski slopes. These cozy yet high-end chalets have something for everyone.
The careful decor paired with ultimate comfort is ideal for a secluded vacation among the mountains and nature. The spacious rooms and added details are also perfect for entertaining family or friends.
Photo courtesy of Ultimate Luxury Chalets.
Photo courtesy of Ultimate Luxury Chalets.
Choose a chalet for a romantic getaway, a cozy family gathering, or an exciting stay away from home with friends.
Chalets usually offer stunning views of the mountains and easy access to world-class skiing, but it is becoming more and more common for chalets to include a pool or spa area as well. Whether it’s a hot tub, jacuzzi, infinity pool or other water feature, they are as luxurious as a resort. Outdoor pools and spas are nestled among the finest views, offering a truly serene experience.
Why Choose a Chalet
Chalets are great for entertaining family and friends. The spacious homes allow each guest to have their own privacy while keeping everyone together. The large rooms are perfect for relaxing after a great meal or a long day on the slopes.
Surrounded by mountains, nature, and most likely plenty of snow, chalets are a world away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re escaping the city or trying to reconnect with nature, the gorgeous views and surrounding wilderness is sure to impress.
Find Unforgettable Chalets Around the World
Options for chalets are plentiful, but these are the top locations that offer luxury and more.
Verbier, Switzerland
Les Gets, France
Courchevel Tourisme, France
Megeve, France
Oberlech, Austria
Aspen, Colorado
Davos, Switzerland
Photo courtesy of Ultimate Luxury Chalets.
Start planning your next dream vacation in a luxury chalet!
Winter nights are often welcomed as an opportunity to stay inside under blankets until warmer, brighter days return. For those who do decide to host a gathering in the winter months, parties are almost exclusively held indoors to shield guests from the cold. While a traditional indoor winter gathering can be both elegant and entertaining, there is no reason to fear hosting an outdoor gathering during winter.
With the right decor, menu and activities, an outdoor party in the winter is the perfect way to connect with your guests. For those living in regions prone to snow, standard outdoor furniture may not be suitable, but sturdy picnic tables, hay bales, and pine-themed decorations with pops of color from holly berries stand up well to winter weather. Having adequate lighting is crucial, since the sun sets relatively early during winter. Maintain a cozy ambiance with string lights, or have a bonfire double as a source of both heat and light.
Whether you choose to have everyone sit by a fire pit or instead encourage people to spend time in a hot tub, make your guests comfortable in the cold by offering an outdoor heat source. Even in places like Florida, where temperatures do not drop as low as they do in the north, outdoor heating is crucial to creating a cozy atmosphere. A cast iron chiminea gives off significant heat while contributing to a wintry aesthetic, while structures like gazebos help block wind and can be decorated with pillows and blankets.
Warm food and drinks should be on the menu for any outdoor winter gathering. Swap out salad in favor of soup as a first course, and serve a hot, filling entree such as lasagna or pot roast. If you have a grill, try using it to prepare both the main and side dishes — not only will it allow you to create a hearty meal for your guests, but it will give off heat to help keep them warm. Serve warm drinks like hot chocolate, coffee and tea. If you plan on serving alcohol, consider drinks that pair well with warm spices.
While swimming or lounging in the sun may be out of the question, some warm weather activities, like lawn games, can still be enjoyed in the winter. Set up cornhole, horseshoes or a ladder toss station to entertain your guests. If you plan to host your party at a snowy destination and would prefer to more closely adhere to a winter theme, encourage guests of all ages to participate in a snowman-making competition or snowball fight.
Photos Courtesy of Hootsuite.
Skiingproperty.com acknowledges the Winter Olympics’ history in the French Alps by highlighting four essential ski resorts.
South Korea’s hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics in February offered an opportunity to promote winter sports to the world while demonstrating the diversity of today’s skiing destinations, according to Skiingproperty.com.
“The Winter Olympics is always exciting and it will be no different in PyeongChang,” said Skiingproperty.com director Julian Walker. “This hugely popular quadrennial event was in fact born in the French Alps, specifically in Chamonix in 1924. It returned to France in 1968, to Grenoble, and then again in 1992, to Albertville. For those French resorts that were fortunate enough to participate, the Olympics helped put them on the map and have become an important part of their history.”
Les Arcs — Speed skiing
Part of the Paradiski ski area in the Savoie region, Les Arcs hosted the exhilarating speed skiing at the 1992 Winter Olympics. The event involves skiing as fast as possible down a straight downhill run, such that competitors often exceed 200 kilometres per hour. The resort’s Olympic speed run, known as the ‘Kilometre Lancé’ (Flying Kilometre), is in the Aiguille Rouge area of Les Arcs 2000, where the slopes are especially steep. Pro speed skiers still use it today while the public can use it under supervision. Skiingproperty.com has new-build apartments in Les Arcs, available from €200,000.
Méribel — Ice hockey and Alpine skiing
Picturesque Méribel, a favourite with British skiers, is located in the centre of the vast Trois Vallées ski area, making it ideally placed for hosting two events at the 1992 Olympics — the ice hockey and women’s Alpine skiing. A legacy of this is the resort’s impressive indoor ice rink, the Patinoire Olympique, built for the Olympics and which now includes a swimming pool and restaurant. Skiingproperty.com has luxury property for sale in Méribel, including the newly built 4-bedroom chalets from €2.9 million.
Val d’Isère — Alpine skiing
Testament to the quality of the slopes around trendy Val d’Isère, the resort played a key part in the 1992 Olympics. Part of the Espace Killy ski area, which includes Tignes, the resort hosted all bar one of the men’s Alpine skiing events, including the downhill, super-G, giant slalom and combined. The resort’s famous Face de Bellevarde, a thrilling black run, was integral to these events and today remains a highlight of skiing at Val d’Isère. Skiingproperty.com has luxury off-plan apartments in Val d’Isere, available from €1.3 million.
Courchevel — Ski jumping and Nordic combined
Internationally exclusive Courchevel played its part in the 1992 Olympics by hosting the jumping and Nordic combined at its Le Praz (1,300) village. The Courchevel Valley also benefited from the creation of accommodation for competitors in the village of La Tania. Skiingproperty.com has new luxury apartments in Courchevel, available from €825,000.
Photos courtesy of SkiingProperty.com
HomeUnion, a leading online real estate investment and management firm, has released a list of the biggest seasonal bargains for investment housing, and found that the winter off-peak period can be the best time of the year to acquire single-family rentals (SFRs). On average, SFR investors paid 6.6 percent less per square foot for the same property during the winter of 2017/2018 as they did during the spring and summer buying season of 2017.
“For the second year in a row, our study found that the wintertime is the best season to acquire rental properties,” explains Steve Hovland, director of research for HomeUnion. “Median home prices drop substantially during the colder months, while rent losses remain marginal for landlords. On average, investors can acquire higher-yielding properties in cold-weather markets like Omaha, Nebraska; Chicago, and Hartford, Connecticut, as well as Charlotte and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Rental properties in our top 10 metros are discounted between 20 percent and 32 percent in the winter months, representing a significant savings for investors.”
“Home prices are seasonal as many buyers and sellers delay an acquisition or disposition to avoid a move during a school year. As a result, smaller homes occupied by empty nesters or childless families are more likely to change hands,” adds Hovland.
Here’s a list of the best metro areas to buy rental properties in the wintertime of 2018:
Sources: HomeUnion Research Services, Maponics
To see the complete list, visit HomeUnion.com.
These two stunning peninsulas make for perfect travel destinations this winter. Both have recently announced transformations, which means both destinations are completely reimagined just in time for the cool weather.
Peninsula Papagayo — Costa Rica’s Exclusive 1,400 private Peninsula
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, Peninsula Papagayo commands 1,400 acres of lush landscape in the Guanacaste province on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast near Nicaragua. The peninsula features two luxury resorts, the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo and the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica.
New ownership has recently announced a $100 million re-imagination of the entire Peninsula Papagayo. Beginning in December 2017, the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo will wrap Phase 1 of a more than $100 million capital improvements project toward the creation of the premier luxury vacation and residential destination across the Latin America region. The major metamorphosis of Peninsula Papagayo will bring an unprecedented new level of meaningful eco-luxury to the Latin America region of the Americas while connecting the peninsula from end to end for the first time.
Guests and homeowners will experience the natural beauty and wonders of the peninsula’s 1,400 acres through a combination of new builds, major enhancements to existing spaces, and a collection of new peninsula amenities, adventures and experiences that encourage people to connect with nature, the rich local culture and pura vida lifestyle, and each other.
Credit: Gencom
The Ultra Exclusive Punta Mita Peninsula in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Nestled on a 1,500-acre private peninsula on the southwest point of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit region, Punta Mita is an unsurpassed luxury coastal enclave surrounded by lush landscape and pristine white sand beaches.
The residential community is home to 15 luxury real estate communities and two five-star resorts: the St. Regis Resort and the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, owned by tech billionaire, Bill Gates.
Launched this year, the Porta Fortuna is an ultra-luxurious resort enclave offering 4-to 6-bedroom, ocean view and oceanfront villas ranging from $2.8 million – $4 million.
The estates blend Italian, Mediterranean and Mexican architecture with a slightly contemporary flair. It offers an enviably luxurious lifestyle and vast ocean views across Banderas Bay, capturing the evening glimmer of Puerto Vallarta’s sparkling lights. Porta Fortuna is home to the acclaimed Sufi restaurant, a private owners’ beach club and the Punta Mita pier.
Credit: DINE
While Clear Creek Tahoe is known for its breathtaking golf course, it also offers a range of winter activities.
During the winter, when residents are unable to take advantage of the Coore & Crenshaw golf course, members and guests can snowshoe or cross country ski around Clear Creek’s private, untouched land in the luxurious mountains above Lake Tahoe.
Photos courtesy of Clear Creek Tahoe