Patina Farms, a rural California garden in downtown Maitland

Signature Landscape Contractors was selected to lead the extensive outdoor design and development of this remarkable property. The exterior spaces were envisioned as an entertainment haven, creating a welcoming retreat for grandchildren and family to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Newly built by renowned Winter Park builder Michael Charles Homes, the residence offers refined craftsmanship and thoughtful architectural detailing.

Design vision

The Sybelia Farms House was envisioned with a modern interpretation of traditional architecture. The homeowners were particularly drawn to the character and charm found in rural California farm landscapes. Working closely with our clients, the Signature team explored a variety of landscape and hardscape styles that could support this vision.

Ultimately the design direction evolved into a California Patina Farms aesthetic, one that elevated the home's architectural heritage while fulfilling our client's desire for a relaxed, rural-California garden in the heart of a small Florida downtown.

The rear patio was designed to accommodate generous outdoor entertaining, complete with a summer kitchen. A private cabana off the master suite created a serene retreat for the homeowners to unwind. The signature feature of the project is an elongated swimming pool, intended for active lap swimming, crafted to blend seamlessly with the landscape and enhance the space rather than command it.

Scope of work

The landscape design covered grade planning and an underground stormwater management and containment system, then the installation of large character trees: magnolias, podocarpus hedges and elegant olive trees, with extensive use of Eagleston hollies for screening. All plantings were surrounded by carefully curated, loosely planted shrubs, herbs and ornamentals. One of the most distinctive elements is the use of gravel garden beds, inviting spaces designed to be wandered, explored and meandered through.

From the intricate brick pattern driveways and pathways to the clean, subtle natural tones of the expansive pool deck, the hardscape pays homage to the Patina Farms theme. Large hand-crafted Tuscan planters elevate the olive trees surrounding the waterline, bringing scale and timeless character. Seamless integration from the rear patio to the pool deck and into the private master cabana with its fireplace was essential to the design, and the oversized spa was paired with a unique bubbler system on a complementing sun shelf. A custom outdoor shower and a waterfall further enhance the subtle, organic aesthetic.

Challenges and solutions

The unique depth of this lot led the client to request an unusually long and expansive pool. With a feature of such scale, the design risked overpowering the space, so the challenge was to deliver a large, memorable pool while maintaining a subtle, soft aesthetic that would not dominate the property.

A second challenge arose from the client's preference for an eclectic, loosely planted garden palette, an approach not typically incorporated into Signature's more structured, sculpted design language. Integrating that California-inspired softness into a traditional Florida setting required thoughtful research, refinement and restraint, including selectively introducing plant varieties usually found in California and confirming they would thrive within Florida's climate.

Outcome

The project delivered a distinctive, highly tailored outdoor environment that stands apart from traditional Florida landscapes, blending unconventional plant palettes with refined hardscape elements while maintaining the highest level of execution. It also broadened Signature's creative portfolio, demonstrating the firm's ability to adapt, innovate and execute complex design narratives.