Wesley Heights Wonder

The owners of this quirky stucco and brick house embarked on a full gut renovation and complete transformation of its surrounding gardens, which required an entirely new and complex infrastructure. Attracting pollinators and creating a sanctuary for birds and wildlife were important to the couple, as were elements of wonder and mystery throughout the garden. The owners also desired a large outdoor kitchen for cooking and entertaining. Some elements were retained, such as the name of the house and the entry walls and gate to the upper garden, but within the space, Richardson & Associates devised new outdoor rooms to be discovered within the dense greenery. A fountain, a Panda sculpture (from the 2004 Pandamania DC urban art project), brick-bordered walkways and steps, the bridge-covered koi pond at the rear garden, antique copper lanterns, and numerous garden accoutrements are some of the new features that captivate the imagination. The outdoor kitchen, Argentinian grill, and generous dining area are a tour de force based on the owners’ requirements. 

  • Architect: 3877 Design
  • General Contractor: Jose Pimenta Construction
  • Landscape Contractor: Planted Earth Landscaping
  • Photographer: Frazier Springfield
A two-story Tudor-style house with light stucco walls, dark wood trim, and a prominent brick chimney. A blue front door is centered under a gabled porch, accessed by a stone walkway flanked by stone pillars topped with decorative finials.
A cream-colored cottage with dark trim and a brick lower level stands among tall evergreen trees. The house features multi-pane windows, dark shutters, and a window box with small green plants.
A stone walkway leads toward a Tudor-style house exterior with a brick and stucco facade. To the left, a lawn is bordered by a line of stepping stones and tall evergreen trees.
A colorful, patterned bear statue stands on a grassy lawn in front of a dense, green treeline. In the foreground, a stone pillar topped with a carved pinecone finial sits beside a stone patio.
Open black metal gate with decorative gold leaves, set into a stone pillar marked with a plaque reading Glover-Brooke. The gate leads to a stone walkway and a lush, tree-filled garden.
A stone fountain sits in the center of a lush garden terrace with brick-edged stone steps. The terrace is surrounded by dense trees, green shrubs, and a stone retaining wall.
A light-colored stone fountain sits in the center of a flagstone patio surrounded by lush green foliage and trees. The octagonal basin features a central pedestal with water trickling from a decorative spout.
A stone patio features an outdoor kitchen with a grill under a wooden pergola, a large stone fireplace, and a dining table. To the right, a wooden sofa with navy and white striped cushions faces the fireplace.
A stone outdoor fireplace with a decorative sun plaque, set on a patio with a wooden dining table and chairs. The fireplace features metal oven doors and two adjustment wheels above the hearth.
An outdoor stone fireplace features a decorative ceramic sun face mounted above an open grill and a small wooden door. The grill includes two large metal wheels for adjustment, and the entire structure sits on a brick and stone patio.
A stone statue of a seated figure sits on a stone wall overlooking a small pond. The pond is framed by stone edges and surrounded by lush green foliage and aquatic plants.
A stone staircase winds uphill through a lush garden toward a modern, multi-story house with dark window frames. The home features textured exterior walls and is nestled into a densely wooded landscape.

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