Stonewall Garden, McLean, VA

A quiet retreat in McLean, Virginia shaped by privacy, peace, and thoughtful craftsmanship.

This McLean landscape was carefully designed to transform a uniquely shaped property into a calm, private outdoor sanctuary. Set along a busy roadway, the site’s narrow side yard presented both spatial and acoustic challenges. Through strategic planning, refined materials, and purposeful planting, the design unites architecture and landscaping for everyday living and intimate entertaining.

Anchoring the rear yard is a custom water-wall fountain and basin, introduced as both a visual focal point and a natural sound buffer. The gentle movement of water softens surrounding noise while creating a tranquil interior view from the home. Beneath the feature, a 20′ × 12′ pea gravel terrace extends to the façade, offering an inviting surface for dining and gathering.

Beyond the terrace, irregular flagstone steppers connect spaces organically, guiding circulation while preserving a natural rhythm throughout the garden. A cedar privacy fence with clean architectural lines encloses the rear and side yards, providing seclusion while complementing the home’s aesthetic.

A new firepit area expands year-round usability, offering warmth and intimacy. Flat site conditions required carefully engineered solutions, including an underground drainage system designed to manage runoff discreetly and effectively. Mature trees were thoughtfully preserved, with protective measures taken to safeguard root zones throughout construction. In the front yard, a regraded lawn is supported by a dry-stacked stone retaining wall, accented by sculptural boulders, limestone-capped stone piers with integrated lighting, and an address stone—creating a refined sense of arrival.

This project exemplifies quiet luxury: where subtle design decisions, timeless materials, and smart infrastructure come together to create a serene, enduring outdoor living environment.