Spanish style estate combines spectacular views with intimate settings

CARMICHAEL, CA. Interwoven tapestries of tile and stone play beneath the visitor's feet as fountains, seat walls and raised planters surround him with sound cand color. Much of the garden looks out across the valley to the Sierra Nevada mountains, stepping down to allow views from multiple sitting areas. Mature olive trees brought in for this project frame the views and shade the patios.

The front features a richly detailed axial path crossed by a zigzagging strolling path paved in decomposed granite. As a visitor moves up the path, he's greeted by a series of fountains and accent plants. The landscape's layout also brings the architectural style forward into the garden, integrating the landscape and the home.

Some interesting details include a pool wall capped with custom tile, porphyry paving in the front entry areas, custom wrought iron work and tile-covered fountains.