Case Study · Full Estate
Hillcrest Estate Transformation
Three acres of sloping, waterlogged lawn in Greenwich — rebuilt over two seasons into terraced gardens, a small orchard, and the entertaining terrace where the owners now host forty.
| Location | Greenwich, CT | Completed | October 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Design · Hardscape · Planting · Lighting · Irrigation | Timeline | Two seasons (phased) |
| Size | 3.1 acres | Investment | $425,000 (phased) |
The Challenge
A hill that shed water — and guests
The property dropped fourteen feet from house to treeline. Rain carved gullies through the lawn, the only "patio" was a cracked concrete pad, and the owners — devoted entertainers — had nowhere flat to put a table. Three landscapers had already declined the job.
Our survey found the real problem: the slope wasn't the enemy, it was the design opportunity. The water just needed somewhere better to go.
The Approach
Three terraces, one long view
- Two 70-foot fieldstone retaining walls carved the slope into three usable terraces
- A hidden French drain system now routes stormwater to a planted rain garden
- The upper terrace became 1,100 sq ft of bluestone for dining and lounging
- The middle terrace holds cutting gardens and a heritage apple orchard
- 120 fixtures light the walls, steps and specimen trees after dark
The Result
Walk the terraces
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