Rustic Beauty in a Spanish Courtyard

Robin and Herb Grant used to be "dyed-in-the-wool" New Englanders. Traditional Colonial was their style and they loved it. But once they started a new life in Scottsdale, Ariz., they wanted a home that would fit the area. What started out as just a simple sketch became a desert dream come true thanks to the talents of architect Don Ziebell. The Grants and their guests take in the rustic beauty on the Spanish-inspired courtyard. Having no grass to cut is a definite plus, and the courtyard is the perfect place to be much of the time. The Grants divided up their backyard oasis into distinct sections — the upper area, with its view of the adjacent golf course and desert, contains Robin's rose garden, and the lower area, which isn't visible from the house, contains the pool and a colorful cutting garden. The third area is the loggia, which gives them an opportunity to enjoy their outdoor surroundings year-round.