NIRVANA IN NEWBURYPORT

TRENT LLOYD DESIGNS CREATES A BACKYARD OASIS

- Stacey Marcus

A MID THE ANTIQUE HOUSES, STONE WALKWAYS, and quaint boutiques and bistros that define Newburyport, one does not expect to find a residence with a Japanese-inspired tea house, a fire bowl, and a plunge pool. This lovely sanctuary sits in the backyard of Brenda and Huib Geerlings’ 1866 Italianate-style home on High Street. 

When the Geerlings moved to Newburyport from Boston 13 years ago, their antique home needed a lot of love. Applying her interior design skills, Brenda filled the house with beautiful antiques and artwork from Asia, a place that holds a special spot in her heart. She and her husband fell smitten with the destination on their honeymoon and have since returned a half-dozen times.

When the idea of buying a second home became part of the conversation, the pleasures of summer in Newburyport persuaded the couple to embark on a major enhancement of their backyard instead-a place they could enjoy with family and friends without leaving town.