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Serene Georgetown Courtyard Garden

From: D. A. Dunlevy

Framed with boxwood hedges and stately retaining walls, this hidden-away outdoor space is an escape in the middle of bustling Washington, D.C. Architectural pines and maples screen off the property, and a spectacular steel water feature creates a relaxing sonic landscape.

Courtyard and Pine Tree

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Courtyard With Pine Tree

A tall pine tree serves as a focal point in this peaceful courtyard. Landscape designers used stone retaining walls with buffer plantings at the base to help separate the courtyard into different spaces. As night falls, outdoor lighting accentuates the view.

Outdoor Dining Terrace

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Outdoor Dining Terrace and Brick Wall

In this courtyard, the garden and patios are raised up slightly from the adjacent parking area. Boxwood hedges and a pine tree help to minimize the garage view.

Dining Area and Boxwoods

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Dining Patio and Boxwoods

Lawns and boxwoods soften the edge of the dining patio. The patio is made of Terra travertine.

Patio and Buffet Table

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Dining Patio and Buffet Table

There's a grill for this outdoor dining area, but its presence is subtle, peeking up over boxwood hedges. Beyond the lawn, a stone retaining wall was added for height and depth.

Dining Patio With Brick Wall

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Dining Terrace With Brick Wall

Boxwood hedging forms a subtle green border for this outdoor dining terrace. The tall brick wall all around the perimeter gives the whole space an enchanted, hidden-away feel.

Garden Steps With Retaining Wall

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Garden Entrance With Retaining Wall

The courtyard uses a mix of plants and flowers to soften the stone retaining walls and other hardscaping. The goal was to create a seamless view of lush greenery.

Sitting Area With Brick Wall

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Outdoor Sitting Area With Brick Wall

This courtyard is divided up into three distinct outdoor rooms: one for dining, one for peaceful lounging, one for sitting. The outdoor sitting area is big enough to entertain in and equally comfortable for everyday use. Its eye-catching backdrop is a steel-framed water feature with an illuminated ornamental pool.

Steel Water Feature

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Steel Water Feature and Brick Wall

This standout water feature was custom-designed to be the highlight of the enclosed garden. Water trickles down from a steel frame over the brick and into an ornamental pool at the base. Plumbing is concealed by the frame, and the red brick was specially treated to protect it from the water.

Steel Fountain

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Steel Fountain Detail

Water trickles down from a steel frame, a custom-made water feature that is a star addition to this outdoor space. The brick was treated to protect it from the constant droplets.

Travertine Path

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Travertine Walkway

A travertine walkway connects the dining terrace, the sitting patio and the lounging area.

Lounge Chair in Courtyard

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Lounge Chair With Yellow Pillow

This quiet patio sits right off the guest house, a private place for guests to wind down.

Lounge Chair and Maple Tree

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Lounge Chair and Red Maple Tree

Soak up the silence in this quiet outdoor sitting area. The backdrop is a gorgeous maple tree and red brick wall. Landscape lighting makes the space useable at night, too.

Garden Steps

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Garden Steps and Walkway

As you enter this charming courtyard garden, low steps cut through a stone retaining wall and open up to a long travertine path. The walkway connects the garden's three lovely outdoor rooms.

Path and Brick House

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Path to Parking Area

This stone path, bordered by boxwood, leads down to the stairs and the parking garages.

Grill and Boxwood

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Grill on Side Patio

A grill was a must for al fresco meals, but it's gracefully tucked out of obvious view behind a boxwood on a side patio.

Arched Garden Entrance

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Garden Entrance With Arched Doorway

Step off the sidewalk and into the charming world of this hidden-away Georgetown garden. An adorable curved door, ivy-clad brick walls and cobblestone immediately set the magical tone.

Rounded Door and Ivy

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Rounded Door and Red Brick

Could it be the entrance to a secret garden? This sweet rounded door looks perfectly at home amidst red brick and ivy.

Brick Garage

Photo: Mason Summers, Anchor Pictures. From: D. A. Dunlevy

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Brick Garage With Car

A bold band of black cobblestones is a visual cue separating the parking area from where foot traffic enters this home's garden.

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