Stormont Project

This job was one of our favorites in 2009. The Stormonts live in Stillwater, on the very edge of the bluff overlooking the St. Croix , with views both up and downriver. Hard to imagine a site in Stillwater with better views. Their backyard was nothing special, however, not doing anything like justice to the view. They hired us to change that, and we did. The choice of stone on this job was locally quarried, St. Croix Limestone, from Rivard Stone, five miles away as the crow flies. With all the exposed limestone visible up and down the river valley, it was the only choice.

We rebuilt a small existing flagstone patio on the very edge of the bluff, and added a large one up against the deck. That one is elevated, retained on the outside by large limestone outcroppings with planting pockets and a rustic set of steps descending to grass level. A crowning touch was still called for, however. Where the yard met the edge of the bluff was an ongoing problem, with wild vegetation constantly creeping into the yard, creating an ongoing maintenance headache. We decided to build a free-standing limestone wall to re-define this edge, and stop any creeping brush or vegetation in its tracks. It needed to be something very pleasing to the eye, a little serpentine for effect, something people could even sit on. I think we pulled it off nicely, so do they. What do you think?