Marvelous Views

The patio and porch are positioned for an amazing view of Pewaukee Lake. The fireplace is the focal point of the patio space, being enough of a monument so as to get noticed even with that beautiful view. And the pergola was designed with a unique look that doesn’t block the view of the lake from inside the house.

The Path to Success was Difficult

The cart path, which was the only access for bringing in materials into the backyard, was only six-feet wide and steep. Concrete, stone, and other large pieces of material including the fireplace insert had to be brought in in pieces.

Old Patio Problem

It took extensive work to remove large outcropping stones buried in the ground of the existing patio and break them into smaller pieces to use for walls.

Water Everywhere, Not Just in the Lake

Some walls were built to raise the grade along the perimeter of the yard to dam water that rushed in from the neighbor’s paved surfaces. There were also several springs in the lawn. Extensive drain tile was installed to direct these natural flows to the lower part of the yard, but not straight to the lake; water ran through the back lawn swales and was filtered before it hit the lake.

I Think I Will Just Sit Here for A While

Night lighting with pathway, hardscape, and accent lights make the space warm and inviting even without using the heaters or the fireplace.