Residential
The Country House Landscape Transformed
In Wilmette, an home originally built as a country house more than 100 years ago has a new look outdoors. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, the residence blends elegantly with its beachfront surroundings, incorporating formal and informal elements to create a spectacular outdoor living space in keeping with the grace and style of the home.
“The residence is known for it’s tasteful renovation,” says project director Jill Burson. Over a ten-year period, Mariani worked with two different owners to complete two major renovations to the property.
Working with the first owners, Mariani was approached to renovate the front and rear yard of the property including the construction of the first beach house in Wilmette. “We worked with the architect to place the beach house and adjacent spa on the property,” says Burson. Due to its location on Lake Michigan, Mariani consulted with both civil and structural engineers to ensure the integrity of the bluff walls. The initial house renovation included adding two wings to the rear of the home. Mariani then designed and installed a bluestone veranda with antique brick detailing to encompass the newly expanded addition.
Adding to the previous owners’ renovation, the current owners approached Mariani for further renovation. This included the addition of an infinity edge pool and a waterfall dropping into a lower basin adjacent to a flagstone patio. “Different levels in the rear yard give the gardens so much more dimension and interest,” says Burson.
Playing off the Euro-historic feel of the house, the property showcases a formal front and rear terrace that transforms into a less-formal backyard toward the water. As a whole, the landscape is comprised of boxwoods, hydrangeas, a mixture of ornamental trees including crabapple, magnolia and Amelanchier accompanied by original horse chestnuts, hickory, maple and oak. “The current owners call it the Hanging Gardens of Babylon,” says Burson.
Aside from design and installation, Mariani also maintains the property. “We visit the residence twice a week and perform specific types of work during each visit. The first weekly visit consists of maintaining flower displays, containers and perennials. The second visit includes mowing, pruning and re-watering containers,” says maintenance Client Representative Jay Stevenson.
According to Burson, “When you get into residential renovation, you really need to be creative. The ability to coordinate several trades is a must.” This organizational
skill, combining design, construction and maintenance, helps Mariani provide clients with unmatched results.
