We bit the bullet and went large on a backyard makeover. Since the very beginning we knew we needed to create a buffer somehow between us and our neighbors. Our sight line stared straight into their ugly solar roof. And ever since we put in the pool, the need to create separation and a courtyard feel became top of mind. That and our two tone gravel driveway made of 57 stone and some decomposing slate chips was turning into a total mess. We came THIS close to going down the wrong path but right as we were about to execute, Steph found us a great designer who helped us envision an economically viable yet completely transformative approach. A 6 man crew has been out here for three days now. Steph and I have been on cloud 9 watching it all take shape.