Perched high on a west-facing hillside near Woodstock, Vermont, a mature stand of paper birch trees surrounds an elegant Swiss Chalet and a walled garden designed by JMMDS. The original terrace was enlarged to include a sunken outdoor kitchen area and an expansive dining terrace. Between the two, a giant millstone found onsite was turned into an informal breakfast table; its round form is repeated in a charming water garden and fire pit terrace to the south. Along the front of the house, six-foot-high stucco walls offer privacy while beautiful plantings and containers grace the entryway.

Garden beds utilize white as an accent color, taking a cue from the surrounding birch tree grove.

The dining terrace overlooks the Vermont farm fields and mountains beyond.

A sunken outdoor terrace features a built-in grill, pizza oven, bluestone countertop, and informal seating.

A subtle millstone water feature trickles into river stone.

Gardens provide cut flowers for arrangements all season long.

Vibrant shade gardens enliven the landscape around the house.

Seasonal annual plants fill the charismatic container gardens that accent the home's first-floor windows.

A rustic metal fire pit sits atop a stone patio. Perennial gardens surround the seating area, which looks out into the rolling hillside fields.

A custom-built stone table is a unique and timeless addition to the dining terrace. Fresh culinary herbs grow in the center of the table.

A traditional millstone water feature set in perennial gardens feature reflects the Vermont sunset sky.

Photography

Susan Teare

Collaborators

General Contractor: Lance Ballard, Lance Ballard Builders, Inc.
Landscape Contractor: Libby Deliso, Clement Lawns and Irrigation
Stone Mason: J.T. Dow Stonework