An Evanston homeowner wanted to create a garden reminiscent of her childhood on the eastern seaboard. However, this particular lakefront property was so close to the water’s edge that waves splashed the home’s rear side and coated it with ice in the winter. To break the waves’ impact Hoerr Schaudt blew out the concrete and raised the seawall four feet. 300 tons of functional boulders were brought in by barge to create a new bluff. A pathway of Vermont stone steps lead to the house where terraces made from consolidated gravel and bluestone create “rooms” for additional viewing. To further a New England “look” walkways were chiseled to look aged, custom fences, trellises and entry gates were designed, and the driveway was cobbled with old Chicago granite street pavers.