Overview

When the homeowners purchased this mid-century home in 2023, the interior had been partially updated — but the exterior told a different story. The property was dotted with seven dead trees, patchy grass, deteriorating retaining walls, and a former pool-turned-mud pit that plagued the yard with drainage problems. Enter Quiet Village Landscaping (QVL), a team known for crafting luxury outdoor spaces that fuse creativity with function.

The Challenge

The biggest frustration with the backyard was its complete lack of definition. The ground was consistently wet and unsettled, making the space nearly unusable. There were no gathering areas, no structure, and no landscape to speak of. It felt small and disconnected — far from the inviting outdoor living environment the homeowners envisioned.

Choosing the Right Partner

The homeowners met the owners of QVL at a networking event, where they immediately connected over a shared love for outdoor design. QVL’s passion for turning raw spaces into custom outdoor living oases made them the obvious choice. With no ego and a highly collaborative mindset, the QVL team — led by Tom, James, and Don — set out to turn the Mason Forest property into something spectacular.

The Vision

From the start, the goal was to establish a series of purposeful outdoor zones while blending modern features with natural materials. The design included:

• A covered pergola and outdoor kitchen for dining and entertaining.

• A main seating area with a dramatic three-level corten steel waterfall as its centerpiece.

• A sunken fire pit with custom built-in seating.

• A fenced garden with its own seating nook.

• A dry creek bed and water management system that resolved past drainage problems.

• Front yard planting beds and tree installations to create strong curb appeal.

Material Highlights

QVL’s material selection brought the vision to life:

• Large natural boulders softened the geometry of man-made retaining walls.

• Corten steel edging and waterfalls introduced a warm, earthy accent that harmonized beautifully with the plant palette.

• Soft beige pavers provided an elegant foundation, while subtle lighting illuminated the space in the evenings.

A Fluid and Evolving Process

The design wasn’t locked from day one — it evolved organically as construction unfolded. QVL welcomed ongoing collaboration, making thoughtful updates on the fly and encouraging input on everything from gravel textures to accent stones. Together, the team even discovered layout solutions mid-build that have now become standout focal points.

The Final Result

The transformation speaks for itself: the once unusable yard now feels expansive, structured, and full of life. With clearly defined entertainment zones, lush greenery, and peaceful water elements, the backyard has become an extension of the home — a true retreat for entertaining and relaxing alike.