Exeter

A desert-forward reimagining of a French estate

Landscapes  >  Exeter

With sculptural restraint and a climate-responsive approach, The Green Room reinterprets a French château estate in Arcadia through a distinctly desert lens. Moving away from rigid geometry and high water use, the design softens formality in favor of contrast, ease, and long-term sustainability.

Inspired by the sun-washed terrain of the South of France, desert specimens and looser plantings introduce texture and movement. Bold agaves and columnar cacti stand apart from refined architecture, creating a layered dialogue between structure and landscape. Negative space and natural composition replace symmetry with a sense of quiet evolution.

Dark-finished pool and water features mirror the sky, adding depth without visual noise. Reflective surfaces anchor the garden and heighten its calm. Desert-adapted species reduce water demand while reinforcing durability and longevity.

Set below grade, a sunken recreation zone conceals a pickleball court and bocce area. Play remains present but subdued, preserving the serenity of the garden.

The result is an unconventional desert landscape that elevates French architecture through contrast, restraint, and a shared sense of timeless ease.