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Olin Partnership has developed a landscape master plan
and a detailed landscape design for this rural country
inn. The 18 acre site is situated amongst the vineyards
of the Carneros wine region, between Sonoma and Napa,
California. The primary design concept was to create
a rich and relaxing environment for the visitors by
reflecting elements of the vernacular agrarian landscape
of the region.
Native trees, grasses, and warm stone walls tie the
project into the local agricultural character. Olive
trees frame the long entry drive, and rows of lavender
lead the guest up a small hill to a dramatic view by
the reception building. On this hilltop site, a simple
square lawn panel and a border of meadow grasses provide
a foreground to the dramatic views of the adjacent vineyards
and mountains beyond. A small vegetable garden is used
as a quiet retreat.
The guest cottages, organized in groups of 8 to 10,
form a series of courtyards. Each courtyard has a unique
planting design using ornamental herbaceous plants and
fruit trees.The courtyards provide a relaxing outdoor
space for guests. Each individual cottage has an intimate
private garden. A central open space, the garden spine,
planted with a series of small orchards of various fruit
trees such as figs, peaches, etc., ties the cottage
units together. Overlooking the adjacent vineyards a
large apple orchard terminates the eastern end of the
garden spine. |
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