Italian Lakeside 

Italy

Modern house with glass balconies, a swimming pool, patio furniture, and landscaped greenery.

We were commissioned to design a captivating family garden on Lake Maggiore, that seamlessly balances areas for play, relaxation, and entertaining, while harmonising with both the restored historic home and its contemporary architectural extension.

Maximising Outdoor Living and Enhancing Lake Views

A key priority for the client was to preserve the stunning panoramic lake views and maintain direct access to the beach. To achieve this, an infinity-edge swimming pool and sun terrace were thoughtfully positioned below the house’s elevation, ensuring unobstructed vistas from the main living spaces of the house.

The garden design enhances outdoor living with a series of multifunctional spaces, including:

• A large cantilevered deck extending from the modern addition, shaded by a fully automated pergola and retractable sun blinds, offering a versatile setting for dining and relaxation.

• A luxurious infinity pool and expansive poolside terrace, complete with a covered lounge area, outdoor kitchen, and bar – ideal for hosting and family gatherings.

• Sleek metalwork steps linking the house and deck with the pool terrace below, creating a seamless transition between levels.

Early landscape design prototype detailing plant types, pool, olive grovedeck and pool terrage

Planting Design and Garden Structure

The main garden is composed in a loose woodland and shrubbery style, with dappled shade planting including Magnolias, Camellias, and Rhododendrons, complemented by Hydrangeas and perennials in sunnier areas.

A sweeping lawn below the pool terrace provides ample space for the children to play, bordered by a contemporary meadow of wild perennials and grasses. This open green expanse is anchored by two mature trees and oriented to frame the breathtaking lake views — the central focus of the design.

Beyond the terrace, a Mediterranean-inspired garden introduces a palette of drought-tolerant species such as Agapanthus, Perovskia, ornamental grasses, olive trees, and sculptural cypress, adding texture and seasonal interest.

The resulting garden is a refined, family-oriented retreat that celebrates its lakeside setting while offering a timeless and elegant space for everyday living and entertaining.

  • Architectural schematic of a swimming pool with cross-sections and detailed design elements, including infinity edge, pool walls, coping, internal benches, catchment pools, and depth measurements.
  • VDM pool landscape design prototype
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  • Outdoor shower area with stone walls, a wall-mounted shower fixture, small potted plants on a shelf, and a large potted plant.
  • Scenic view of a lakeside garden with green grass, white flowers, and trees overlooking a serene lake and distant mountains.
  • Outdoor dining area with a long table and woven chairs under a patio roof, surrounded by greenery and glass railing.
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  • Lush garden with tall grass and various green plants under a clear blue sky.
  • Green plants and tall grass in a garden with trees and shrubs, under a clear blue sky.
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  • Scenic view of a landscaped garden with blooming pink flowers, lush green trees, a manicured lawn, and a gravel path, overlooking a lake under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Lush garden with green grass, trees, and a view of a lake under a blue sky with clouds.
  • Lush green lawn with trees and shrubs under a blue sky with clouds.
  • Infinity pool with a view of trees and a lake, sunny day.