CAPE SCAPE

DAN GORDON REIMAGINES AN OSTERVILLE LANDSCAPE FOR A FAMILY’S SUMMER COMPOUND.

- NANCY A. RUHLING

Concealed behind a hydrangea and rose-clad stucco wall on Wianno Head is a compound that’s so condent of its status that it makes itself one with its natural surroundings.

“This is one of the most magnicent properties in Osterville,” says landscape architect Dan K. Gordon, the founder and principal of the rm that bears his name. “It has water views on three sides; it’s wonderful to work on a site that has spaces with multiple water views.”

The fact that the property is so exposed created constraints and opportunity, adds Peter Stephens, project manager and principal at Dan Gordon Landscape Architects. “We had to come up with ways to preserve the views while mitigating the prevailing winds.”

At the owners’ request, the outdated Mediterranean-style stucco house was renovated and modernized by Daniel H. Reynolds Design Collaborative in a classic New England shingle style, setting the groundwork for landscaping by the Gordon team.

“It’s a landmark property,” Gordon says. “The owners really wanted to develop the character of the house, and the property, into a seaside shingle vernacular. To that end, the landscape improvements were transformational.”

Gordon and his team exploited the spectacular water views, overhauling the gardens on the 2.5-acre property to develop a design that incorporates spaces for maximum active enjoyment of the landscape.