Old Short Hills Estate

This expansive property contains a multitude of luxurious amenities : bluestone patios, natural stone walls, a saline lap pool, circular raised spa, cabana, putting green, outdoor kitchen & fireplace; to name a few.

Since the site is approximately 2.5 acres, we were able to incorporate all of the clients’ wishes in a thoughtful, methodical manner. Everything has its place, sufficient space and is sited to perfection for functionality, circulation patterns and lifestyle. With such a long list of elements, it was absolutely necessary to create a comprehensive master plan before any construction began. The irregular shape of the property created a unique composition; therefore it warranted a sophisticated connection and transition between spaces.

The existing site had an inconvenient circular parking area, which we immediately revised to enlarge the overall parking capacity. We also introduced freestanding stone seat walls & piers and a paver parking surface to delineate the courtyard while also introducing scale and proportion to what could have been an overwhelming entry. The colors and textures of the hand chiseled granite walls subtly complement the Tudor architecture of the house.

Lush gardens, Pennsylvania bluestone patios and custom granite stone walls accentuate the formality of the property, while the three fountains and natural boulders add a taste of whimsy to the setting. The cabana is an extension of the main home. Its design replicates the architecture of the house and provides an outdoor kitchen, bar, TV, living room/lounge area exponentially closer to the pool than the main house for convenience while entertaining during the warmer months.

An Olympic sized swimming pool topped the list of priorities for the rear yard design. The existing pool was dilapidated & unusable and therefore removed to allow a new, state of the art salt water pool – complete with an automatic cover, which reduces heating and maintenance costs. We chose an upscale concrete paver as the pool patio material to keep the surface cool for bare feet. We designed the spa to stand alone from the pool so the homeowners have the option of using the spa year round. The rear yard also offers a synthetic putting green to its golf-loving visitors.