Halloween by the Hearth: Built for Warmth & Wonder
Dan and Robin’s backyard is the ultimate gathering spot this Halloween night with its warm and welcoming fireplace under a canopy of stars and a 30-foot live oak. In 2023, the couple decided it was time to extend the patio around their pool to match the elegance of the house Mark Johnson Custom Homes had built for their retirement, and move from New England, in 2018.
With a wicked amount of planning and inspiration, Robin scoured Stone Garden’s Inspiration Garden. She dreamed of what would transform their outdoor space into a magical sanctuary. Inspired by the hauntingly beautiful pictures in catalogs, she discussed options with the staff. She gained a referral to an expert contractor.
JC’s Hardscape & Landscaping, led by the talented Juan Santiago, helped the couple settle on a three-tiered wood-burning fireplace. Built from Kingsford Ledgestone by Stonecraft, it’s both grand and sleek – giving the patio a charm that’s as spellbinding as it is inviting.
The new patio shines with Belgard® Dimensions Hatteras pavers accented by a Holland Stone Slate border. This carefully chosen design blends with the adjacent pool area and adds a polished touch to their bewitchingly beautiful backyard.
JC’s Hardscape & Landscaping worked tirelessly to ensure every stone was in place, even ferrying pavers by hand in a wheelbarrow to protect the lawn. The not-so-black magic doesn’t stop there.
Under the eerie glow of accent lighting, the stone fireplace flickers to life, casting shadows and creating an enchanting atmosphere for All Hallow’s Eve.
The built-in wood bins flanking the fireplace, stocked with seasoned oak, offer the perfect fuel to keep the fire crackling all evening – ideal for ghost stories and spine-tingling tales around the fire! Robin and Dan recently enjoyed their first fire with a small gathering of friends, and no one wanted to leave. The fire generated more heat than anticipated, making Robin happy – like many of us, she doesn’t like being outside in the cold.
A charming pathway of Pennsylvania flagstone steppers framed by Carolina Creekstone leads guests from the driveway to the patio.
The path is well-traveled, so Juan bordered it with resilient centipede grass. The live oak now sits in a raised garden bed lined with azaleas. A drip irrigation system ensures the plants stay healthy.
This majestic tree, the only survivor among several live oak on the original property, looms over the seating area like a friendly Halloween guardian, giving the space both beauty and shade. Several pruners over the years have commented that it’s an excellent specimen.
Here’s the live oak before the project started.
After three weeks of hard work by Juan and his dedicated crew, this cozy entertainment space offers a natural flow between the fireplace, pool, and oak tree shade. Beautiful lighting makes the entire area otherworldly for evening gatherings. Dan and Robin are ready to host some ‘spirited’ celebrations this season.
“Our good friends, who are builders, are very impressed with the quality of the work.”
Take a page from Robin and Dan’s story to transform your backyard into an enchanting escape where Halloween gatherings and cozy autumn evenings become unforgettable memories. Their backyard will be the ultimate spot for ghouls, goblins, and good friends this Halloween!
“JC’s Hardscape worked thoughtfully and respectfully and did so well in creating an environment that fits the space; we trust them to do other projects for us. Thank you, Juan and your whole team, for doing such a great job.”
Happy Haunting, and may your backyard be as mystically magnificent as theirs this season!
Photography by Allison Potter and Homeowners