Raised expectations

Greenwich, CT. Nestled in a wooded nook of the northeast, this outdoor living space started with a simple request to remove a side rail to accommodate a grill, burner, and sink. But as these Greenwich, Connecticut, homeowners continued working with designer Michael Gotowala, president of Preferred Properties Landscaping & Masonry, their expectations began to rise—figuratively and literally. 

Desiring a more complete cooking area as well as immediately accessible dining and lounging areas, the homeowners quickly expanded the project’s scope to also include a wraparound kitchen island with bar seating and beverage center, a designated dining area, and a focal-point masonry fireplace with Tuscany-inspired pizza oven—all of which are located 30 feet in the air on the second-level deck.

Building such an elaborate setup on the second level was no simple task but was well worth the effort. By locating these living spaces on the second level, the owners gained a greater level of seclusion, privacy, and security. The of-the-earth materials and neutral tones blend beautifully with the natural landscape, which is heavily treed and includes a pond on the property. Below the deck, an outdoor wine tasting room is a great starting place for guests before moving upstairs to settle in and enjoy the scenery.

Read Magazine Ready article.