Carmel Valley V / The landscape of this modern farm complex in the Santa Lucia Preserve, designed with Lake | Flato Architects, maintains the sweeping view and openness of the grassland while enhancing the existing oak woodland that surrounds the edges of the house. JLJA planted a mixture of native oak trees to filter views while low fuel-volume understory plants underscore the existing transition zone between grass land and encroaching oak woodland. Echoing the house’s dialogue between inside and outside, the landscape was designed to bring drifts of native perennials and cultivars into the courtyards and along the stone pathways. 

Reflecting the owners’ outdoor lifestyle, the garden incorporates play spaces for the children, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and quiet spaces for reflecting on the site’s natural beauty. With generous areas for welcoming visitors, this landscape provides the perfect setting for gatherings with friends and family.

Photo: Frank Oohms

Client: Private client
Location: Santa Lucia Preserve, Carmel Valley, CA
Dates: 2004-2010
Size: parcel = 18.3 acres, homeland = 2.7 acres
Architect: Lake | Flato Architects
Contractor: Stocker & Allaire
Landscape Contractor: Frank & Grossman Landscaping

Photo: Frank Oohms

Photo: Frank Oohms

Photo: Frank Oohms

Photo: Frank Oohms

Photo: Frank Oohms

Photo: Frank Oohms