Luxury Outdoor Living and Patio Makeovers

Nestled in the majestic Hudson Valley, just two hours north of New York City, sits Greene Hill — an 80-acre historic estate where the past and present blend into a luxurious, sensory-rich experience. What once lacked outdoor living spaces now boasts elegant patios that celebrate nature, sustainability, and connection. In this episode of our makeover journey, we unveil how patios can be more than just stone and furniture — they can be sanctuaries of wellness, beauty, and soul.

The Problem: A Grand Estate with Nowhere to Gather

When we first arrived at Greene Hill, we were stunned by its sweeping mountain views and historic grandeur. But oddly, there were no proper patios — no outdoor spaces to host guests, sip coffee, or watch the dogs run wild. It felt like a story left unfinished. That was our challenge: How do you design patios that respect wildlife, harmonize with architecture, and bring people closer to the land?

The Vision: Designing with Emotion and Ecology

Designing outdoor spaces isn’t about pouring concrete and tossing furniture. It’s about emotion — creating spaces that make you feel something. For us, that meant firepits that stir conversation, materials that honor the earth, and layouts that embrace wildlife rather than displace it.

As Santi put it, “We’re guests here.” That ethos guided every decision.

Firepits: The Heart of Outdoor Living

At the center of our design was the firepit — a primal, timeless gathering spot. We opted for a natural wood-burning pit, not just for its glow but its soul. There’s something transformative about watching flames dance under the stars. And yes — Deborah may have once interrogated her future son-in-law here. It’s that kind of place.

Pro Tips:

• Keep at least 4 feet of clearance around the pit for seating comfort.
• Position firepits at least 10–20 feet from your home and trees.
• Use sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood. Never burn treated or rotten wood.
• Toss in pinecones, citrus peels, or herbs for an aromatic experience.

Material Matters: Bluestone, Recycled Tables, and Slow Design

We chose to keep the estate’s original bluestone — cracked and worn, but full of character. Like a favorite vintage coat, it tells stories. We restored rather than replaced, embracing the concept of slow design: creating with intention, patience, and love.

Even our furniture followed this ethos. A forgotten table from the barn was lovingly painted by Deborah and her daughter. Why buy new when you can resurrect history?

Sensory Biophilia: A Patio that Touches Every Sense

The patios at Greene Hill are more than visual treats — they’re full-body experiences. From the smell of burning logs to the crunch of stone underfoot, every design decision was made with the senses in mind.

We added contrasting textures with planters in white ceramic to lighten the stone-heavy backdrop. Hanging chairs invite relaxation, while layered shrubs and soft paths create rhythm and intrigue.

Design Tip: Envision your patio from a bird’s-eye view. How do paths connect? Do materials and shapes feel cohesive? Magic is in the transitions.

The Dance Between Form and Function

Santi favored curved, organic patio shapes inspired by nature. Deborah leaned toward symmetry and formality to honor the Georgian architecture. The compromise? Connecting square patios with meandering steppingstone paths — practical yet poetic.

We balanced beauty with safety:

• Steppingstones are generously sized and spaced.
• Paths avoid loose gravel, favoring secure bluestone to withstand snow, mud, and zooming dogs.

Nature First: Dark Sky Lighting and Wildlife-Friendly Choices

At night, our patios glow — but only gently. Dark sky lighting minimizes light pollution and protects the nocturnal habits of deer, birds, and even skunks. No uplighting trees. No glaring spots. Just soft illumination where needed.

Confessions, Conflict, and Compromise

We dreamed of an outdoor kitchen. One of us (you can guess who) wanted it badly. The other felt it clashed with the serene, minimalist vision and didn’t want to grill meat. Solution? Keep it simple. Keep it green.

And while Deborah longed to hang a swing on a tree, her past run-in with Lyme disease gave her pause. “Wear a hat and do it,” Santi urged. Fear meets courage, and design becomes personal.

Favorite Features: The Firepit Wins

Despite differences in taste, one thing we both agree on — the firepit is our favorite part of the patio. It’s where stories unfold, memories are made, and souls connect.

Final Takeaway: Design with Heart, Build with Purpose

Whether you live on 80 acres or 800 square feet, your patio can be a portal — to nature, to calm, to community. At Greene Hill, we didn’t just install patios. We revived the spirit of the land.

Remember:

• Design emotionally.
• Choose sustainable, slow materials.
• Let your patio reflect your story.