Working with homeowners to bring their visions to life is one of our favorite aspects of what we do here at The Todd Group, but we also enjoy collaborating with some of the most talented landscape architects in the country. Michael Van Valkenburgh, a professor in practice of landscape architecture at Harvard University, joined us in creating the beautiful spaces at Riverside Vistas. This 200-year-old home atop a ridge overlooking the Hudson River and Bear Mountain is a stunning estate with views that inspire.
The homeowners sought to take advantage of the sweeping vistas and natural beauty all around. Van Valkenburgh designed the gardens and outdoor living spaces to reflect the splendor of the surrounding rolling hills while complementing the home’s modern design. Outdoor living abounds, with breezy terraces and a substantial, yet simple bluestone patio spanning the entire length of the home overlooking a minimalist, grass-surround pool and perennial hillside garden.
The entire Riverside Vistas estate includes color throughout, as evidenced by the flower beds surrounding the pool. The Todd Group stabilized the severe slope of the hillside between the verandahs and the pool by adding a geo-fiber material supplement to the soil mixture. These lovely gardens contain a range of plants that bloom from spring until first frost. A stone wall creates separation and is a great place for sitting and gazing.
A simple, yet elegant three-inch thick natural cleft bluestone patio just beyond the pool overlooks the estate’s southern view: Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain Bridge crossing the Hudson River. This tranquil space is versatile for quiet picnics or can serve as a starlit dance floor. An in-ground fire pit sits below patio grade.
To create a comfortable flow throughout the property, we added grass pathways to lead the homeowners from space to space. Perfectly placed cultivated gardens mix effortlessly with native plants. Around the side of the home, an intimate side garden offers partial shade under an industrial-style pergola. The beautiful black locust planks with fine gravel in between conceive a unique modern patio surface, while the surrounding lush greenery creates privacy for the space.
This property blends the allure of the natural surroundings with many comfortable spaces to sit and soak it all in. From lush gardens to expansive lawns that put the sweeping vistas on center stage, this property is a true example of a thoughtful landscape.
The Todd Group’s team has expertise in all aspects of landscaping, including tree and shrub care, perennial gardens, annual enhancements, turf management, lighting, irrigation and water management, soil composition, and more. Call us at (908) 204-9918 to talk about your property and your vision and how we can bring it to life.