Historic Estate

This picturesque setting provides a unique retreat experience for our confidential client and their guests. Visitors can appreciate the history of the place, the idyllic rural landscape and modern amenities during their stay. The focal point of the property is the historic limestone castle, which sits atop a bluff with a commanding view of the mighty Mississippi River to the east and rolling farmland to the west.

[dtls] was engaged to assess the quality of the existing landscape and produce a Landscape Master Plan. This plan aims to celebrate the arrival sequence and enhance the history and grandeur of the estate, while addressing the renovation of existing structures and grounds to accommodate future programs. After a thorough site analysis, [dtls] established guiding principles, created preservation plans, developed concept options and phasing plans that will preserve the pastoral natural beauty of the place and establish it as a unique private retreat.

To address the problem of recurring flooding, the client constructed a levee to protect the historic buildings and landscape. The levee poses a particular design challenge – it protects the existing historic structures and formal gardens from future flood damage, but it also radically changes the landscape character and meandering approach through the 1850s estate. [dtls] responded to this challenging juxtaposition by designing a landscape that complements and unites the renovated  pool house, conference center, new feature pond and entry drive.