Outdoor Entertaining on the Rocks

Expansive, polished outdoor living connects to the surrounding landscape.

7 hours ago

Anne Hebert,

Photo: Andrew Olson

Shaped by the land and driven by the client’s desire to entertain, the backyard of this Castle Rock home was transformed by Lifescape Colorado from an awkward slope into a layered series of outdoor rooms. Stone walls and meticulously designed terraces feature spaces for cooking, lounging, and gathering, offering beautiful views of the open space beyond.

“To start, we removed the existing deck and graded the site to accommodate the layout,” says Dan DeGrush, senior landscape architect. “We matched the stone on the dwelling’s exterior and built a wall to define the terraced areas.” Buff capstones and boulders make ideal accents and add visual interest. Pavers for the space were selected to complement the stone.

Photo: Andrew Olson

The first terrace forms a walkway providing access to the others below. Path lighting keeps things well-lit and safe at night. An impressive water feature, crafted of Basalt columns cleaved from the ground in their native shapes, beckons visitors to the next level.

Flanked by two decorative copper fire bowls that lend grandeur to the ambiance, the cooking and dining terrace features two pergolas, plush seating, a raised garden, and a full kitchen that includes a pizza oven, grill, and oven and side burner. Two bar counters and a west counter eating area facilitate easy serving of grill-to-table-fare. A separate cooking nook contains a meat smoker, often used by the owner.

Photo: Andrew Olson

The third terrace below is designed for pure relaxation. Comfortable seating surrounds the warmth of a firepit, raised gardens, and border plants. The softscape materials consist of day lilies, ornamental grasses, and ground cover shrubs that accommodate high wind exposure and are unappealing to foraging area wildlife.

To create a luxe, resort vibe, the boulders feature uplighting for a touch of drama. The low-splash water feature can run during windy weather, and the firepit is sheltered on the lowest terrace.

Photo: Andrew Olson

“The pergolas are positioned to draw views out toward the horizon,” explains DeGrush. “Drop-down shades protect from sun and weather exposure, and sconce lighting within the pergolas provides a warm glow. For convenience and ease of use, everything can be controlled remotely from within the home or by using a phone app.”

“The outdoor living arrangement is perfect for entertaining two guests to 20,” says DeGrush. “The owners are wine enthusiasts and love to savor a glass while enjoying the remarkable view and sunsets to the west. It’s just a perfect place to enjoy Colorado outdoor living at its best.”