The client, a historic preservationist, had always admired this double-entry townhouse in Old Town, Alexandria. After purchasing the property, the eighteenth-century structure and carriage house were completely restored inside and out by its new owners. The family lives in one half of the building and rents four apartments created in the other. 

For the courtyard landscape that wraps behind the house from the side drive, Richardson & Associates created a linear garden designed to accommodate an area for the tenants to enjoy, turf for dogs and kids, and the ability to utilize all the outdoor spaces for entertaining groups of up to 100 or 200 people. At the back, a painted Accoya wood trellis supports a one-of-a-kind Parrotia tree, which is espaliered and will provide changing seasonal color against the brick of the adjacent building. The mint green gate leads to a garbage and recycling enclosure and takes its design cues from the historic home.

At the center of the space, an existing dogwood is surrounded by low plantings and a hardscape distinctive to Old Town of reclaimed brick and bluestone with crushed oyster shells demarking the drive. Copper roofs and gutters add a warm glow during the day while discreetly hidden fixtures illuminate the area at night. The electric vehicle charger is accessible but does not distract from the comfortable formality of the scene, which complements the vintage of the buildings. The planting beds and composite planters are resplendent with ferns, hostas, and boxwood.

Landscape Architect: Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture; Architect: Ashley Wilson, AIA; General Contractor: Peterson Collins; Landscape Contractor: Black Pearl; Photographer: Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography