Hillside Terrace & Play Garden

Set on a New England property expanding into a natural hillside, this project transformed a steep, underused slope into two purposeful outdoor levels. The lower terrace was carved directly into the hill to create a sheltered dining and seating area—an extension of the home that feels grounded and intimate. Above it, the upper tier was engineered to hold a flat, safe play lawn with space for a jungle gym and children's activities. HearthStone partnered closely with the landscape designer to refine the layout, protect the integrity of the hillside, and ensure the final form matched the owners' vision for family living. We coordinated with the construction team and the landscape nursery to sequence the work, manage site constraints, and bring the design to life with the right materials and plantings. Throughout the process, the client's priorities, budget, and long-term use of the space served as our guardrails—resulting in a landscape that feels both intentional and deeply personal.