Mill Valley Residence
Mill Valley, Marin County

This hillside pool garden was designed to extend this home’s “contemporary Mediterranean” architecture into the garden. A formal stair aligns with the center of the house and cascades down each side of a prominent landing at the main level of the house. The pool, site walls, spa and large, curved edge pool terrace are built symmetrical to the center line of the stair. The pool decking, steps, treads and landings are finished in Napa Valley Cast Stone. An outdoor kitchen and bar are centered on the long axis of the pool and is accented with a granite counter top, stucco walls and Viking appliances. At the south end of the garden, a small lawn and children’s play area with climbing structures and resilient surfacing provide safe areas for the kids. The plant material compliments the Mediterranean character of the house with lavender, olive trees, flowering shrubs, and evergreen screen planting for privacy.