HGTV Dream Home 2005: Landscape

The approach to the house comes from a low elevation, so King paid special attention to creating approaches that let the house be revealed in incremental stages. "One of the things I like to do is not just put it all out there for you. This way, you get a little more intrigue with each new view," he says. 

Between the dock and the house, he designed the steps and walkway to render the slope easily accessible. As the design developed, he tried to anticipate the smallest details, such as making it easy for boaters to carry a cooler to and from the house.

Part of the charm and delight of the designed landscape involve positioning traditional hardscaping elements into somewhat novel positions or functions. Instead of putting the spa near the pool, King put it in the home’s breezeway; a view of the lake and a fireplace close by are part of the ambiance. The pool has resistance jets that invigorate a workout. The front welcoming court includes a patio that seems to be the perfect place to have a morning cup of the coffee.

Plantings were carefully selected to provide seasonal color with minimal effort from the homeowner’s part. ‘Knockout’ rose is a tough, trouble-free rose that’s resistant to disease and insects — and it blooms continuously throughout the growing season. Other beautiful but low-maintenance trees, shrubs and perennials include 'Forest Pansy' redbud (Cercis Canadensis), repeat-blooming azaleas, evergreen wisteria and irises.