With a privileged waterfront vantage point, this amenity-rich home executed by Hardscapes, Inc.’s Wes Novelli blends naturally with the surrounding environment with ingenious planning and design details
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky
Ribbons of water cascade into a pristine luxury swimming pool with an integrated spa, enhanced by strategically positioned lighting throughout. A cozy built-in firepit area and elegant Marmiro stone in Crema Eda add to the outdoor space’s ambiance. These are just a few defining features of this Ocean View, DE, property, boasting a thoughtfully built outdoor space which connects to the bay waters beyond while complementing the newly renovated home.
Wes Novelli, owner and designer at Hardscapes Inc. of Ocean City, collaborated with the property owners to bring their vision to life. No detail was overlooked.
“They were willing to go all out to achieve this outcome,” says Wes, remarking on the project’s planning discussions and seamless execution during installation.
WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE
A recessed stacked-stone firepit serves as the focal point in an ample space for family and friends to live, love and laugh together.
MAKING THE GRADE
Careful design and execution was required to overcome potential issues due to the property’s descending grades of elevation.
The salty coastal feel of the community lends itself to natural materials that complement its sandy shores, blending in the desired outdoor amenities without detracting from the surrounding beauty. The result integrates the owner’s specifications while addressing the complexities of a graded building lot.
“The property falls quickly down into the bay, and we wanted to make sure that stormwater from heavy rains did not enter the pool or encroach on the neighboring house, which is positioned on a lower section of the grade,” Wes explains.
Meticulous planning paved the way for a sustainable design featuring an array of backyard amenities, like an integrated grill station and poolside lounge area. Wes adds,
“It looks like it just belongs.”
Curated from Nature
Wes specified Marmiro stone for the pool deck and a split-faced veneer for the seating walls, waterfall base and other structural elements such as the cooking area. The color, Crema Eda, is one of his preferred selections. “This particular color is so vibrant that it helps expand spaces visually, even if you’re working in a tight area,” he points out.
Marmiro’s low maintenance and functionality is another reason Wes used it for the pool decking. “It’s easy to clean, does not get hot to the touch—even in full sun—and is considered a marble,” he explains, noting a priority for barefoot afternoons by the pool.
Illuminating Impact
Landscape lighting is never an afterthought in Hardscapes Inc.’s projects. By contrast, it’s planned early in the design stage. Strategically positioned lighting adds dimension while accenting features in an outdoor living space. This ultimately extends the time spent outdoors by homeowners and their guests.
“Accent lighting creates an entirely different element of living space and changes the dynamic 180 degrees from daytime,” Wes says. “I also emphasize the reality that most of the time, your entertaining happens during dusk and into the night.”
The salty coastal feel of the community lends itself to natural materials that complement its sandy shores, blending in the desired outdoor amenities without detracting from the surrounding beauty. The result integrates the owner’s specifications while addressing the complexities of a graded building lot.
Bonfire Views
The property’s layout afforded an opportunity to design a separate yet connected fire pit conversation space that boasts views of the entire pool and the waters beyond. “It’s the best vantage point,” Wes says. “From this area, you’re looking at everything the backyard has to offer from an entertainment standpoint.”
The surrounding seating wall adds a cozy feel while serving as additional space for guests to linger. With ample patio square footage to comfortably fit six full-size Adirondack chairs around the recessed stacked-stone firepit, this outdoor alcove begs for late evenings with family and friends.
Sustainable Green Space
Synthetic turf is often a material that home-owners don’t necessarily expect to fall in love with—until they see it, touch it and then live with it. “When I propose it, many clients are hesitant at first. But once they have it on their properties, I often hear, ‘This is one of the best decisions we almost didn’t make,’” Wes relates.
Today’s synthetic turf is a far cry from the old, shocking-green indoor/outdoor carpet look. Its advantages include superior drainage, which allows for clean stormwater runoff into nearby waters. It requires no maintenance—completely eliminating any need for harmful chemical lawn care products, Wes points out. “You get a lush green look year-round, and it provides an amazing contrast against any hardscape surface,” he adds of its aesthetic appeal.