A Refined Outdoor Space for this 1926 Historic Home

This outdoor living renovation combines sophisticated elegance with formality.

2 hours ago

Anne Hebert,

Courtyard This secluded spot is the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning or cold beverage in the late afternoon. | Photo: Andrew Olson

When the owners of a historic home in the Denver Country Club neighborhood wanted to revitalize their outdoor living space, they contacted Todd Diesburg, senior landscape designer at Lifescape Colorado. Having worked together previously, they had built long-standing mutual trust and rapport.

“Built in 1926, this historic home had great bones to work with. After taking a good look around, we decided to start by determining the existing elements that were worth saving,” says Diesburg. “Our main goal was to blend old and new to achieve a look of timeless sophistication.”

A bronze sculpture by David R. Nelson adds drama to the outdoor space. | Photo: Andrew Olson

“Existing paved walkways featured moss growth that takes years to cultivate, and mature trees were kept for their shade and character,” Diesburg explains. “Combining old, paved walkways with new clay pavers created a beautiful balance that enables one space to flow into another.”

An outdoor fireplace and water feature were added, with careful attention to matching the dwelling’s stucco. The iron detail atop the fireplace was inspired by detail on the home’s exterior, and the scuppers on the water feature went through a powder-coat process to give them an Old World patina. Dimensional buff flagstone adds texture and interest.

Fireplace Patio In the cozy outdoor space, surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers, the fireplace adds ambience for entertaining and alfresco dining. | Photo: Andrew Olson

The softscape was carefully considered and now features a formal green-and-white design of sculptured boxwoods, yews, hydrangeas and borders of candytuft. New redbud trees bookend the fireplace, and an existing grapevine cage was kept and planted with pink and yellow honeysuckle. A maple tree, planted near the iron pergola, “will grow into the space and bring additional shade to the area,” Diesburg notes. Potted geraniums add classic pops of red to the outdoor scheme.

A privacy wall encloses the outdoor living spaces. | Photo: Andrew Olson

Bedding plants enhance the front courtyard space. Shielded by a wall that keeps this little sanctuary invisible from the street, the homeowners enjoy their morning coffee in this “quaint little space with pretty morning light.” “New lighting functions as a design element on its own,” Diesburg notes. “Path lighting, tree uplighting and accent lights around the foundation serve to define the landscape and architecture.” The owners chose comfortable outdoor seating by Summer Classics to enhance the space. Adding a personal artistic touch, they installed a bronze sculpture by Colorado-based artist David R. Nelson.

A new water feature and classic red geraniums curate Old World style. | Photo: Andrew Olson

The finished project yields two main seating areas for dining and entertaining, and the smaller front courtyard. The layered garden, fireplace and water feature provide a soothing ambience for small gatherings and larger events.“We have enjoyed living all over the metro area,” say the owners. “However, this home is everything we love. We’ll be staying put for a long time to come.”