“When we first saw the house, we knew the backyard was the reason we were buying it,” she shares. Tucked behind the home, a historic brick trolley-ticket station runs along the property line, creating a rare sense of privacy and charm. “It already felt like an oasis. It just needed to be brought to life.”
To shape that vision, Allison partnered with Ivy Street Design, led by designer Ian Ferguson, to transform the space into a series of intentional outdoor “rooms.” “The backyard was a blank slate,” Ian explains. “That kind of openness gives us the opportunity to create something completely unique.”
Together, they designed a layout centered around both function and flow. The plan includes an outdoor kitchen and dining area, lounge spaces, a fire feature, and quiet corners for everyday moments. “We wanted it to feel like an extension of the home,” Allison says, with spaces for everything from morning coffee to evening gatherings.
The process was highly collaborative, balancing design vision with how the family truly lives. Native and xeriscape plantings were thoughtfully integrated, while pathways and transitions connect each area seamlessly. Behind the scenes, careful grading, retaining walls, and drainage solutions ensure the space performs as beautifully as it looks.
Throughout construction, Ivy Street remained closely involved. “Having Ian check in regularly made all the difference,” Allison shares. “There were no major hiccups, and everything came together exactly as we envisioned.”
Built by Singing Hills Landscape, the finished space feels layered, private, and deeply livable. One standout feature is the fire pit area, where natural boulders, trees, and soft lighting create an immersive, tucked-away retreat.
Today, the backyard has become the heart of the home. A large sliding door connects the kitchen directly to the patio, making it effortless to gather, entertain, and spend time outside year-round. “It’s where we host dinners, watch games, or just sit and enjoy the sunset,” Allison says. “It’s truly the best part of the house.”
What began as potential is now something more. A space designed not just to be seen, but to be lived in.
Design: Ian Ferguson with Ivy Street Design
Build: Singing Hills Landscape
