CASALE, UMBRIA
2013 –
This recent build is on a stark hillside surrounded by agricultural land – isolated, but visible (from a distance) to all with little vegetation around. Planting here – to be done in gradual stages – will aim to soften the surroundings, provide some shelter, create a more private area around the pool... and both protect and enhance the property's greatest asset: a spectacular view down a long, wide valley to Lake Trasimeno.
| Winter 2013 | |||||||
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To give the plot some definition, break up its horizontal planes and screen it from a road to the south west and neighbours to the north, umbrella pines (Pinus pinea) and evergreen oaks (Quercus ilex) were planted along the edges of the property. |
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| Summer 2014 | |||||||
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In the heat of summer, water for the newly planted trees became a problem. A 10,000-litre cistern was installed to harvest rain water until the owners have a well dug. At the same time, earth around the pool was reshaped for further planting planned for later in the year and the main lines of an irrigation system were laid. |
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| Winter 2014 | |||||||
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The next stage of planting was around the pool. Previously, the seating area had been limited to a narrow brick-paved strip. The available space – to become lawn – was extended, with tall shrubs placed on the slope behind a new low wall to the west to screen swimmers from the road, and banks of roses offering some protection to the east without disturbing the view. |
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