Complete Backyard Entertaining
Hidden Valley
A broad, empty property given a real destination: a full outdoor kitchen with bar seating, a custom fire pit and a stone patio built to hold a crowd.
How this project came together
The challenge
The main residence with outbuildings near it, and the yard around them: concrete patios, paver sections, curved walkways, open dirt and planting zones. The existing trees set the scale. We recorded the hardscape to see how the space was actually being used, which is rarely how it was drawn.
The design decision
We built the yard around one central gathering area with the outdoor kitchen in it, and ran curved paths connecting the kitchen, the fire feature and the seating so they work as one place instead of three.
The build
A Fossil Creek flagstone patio takes the main space. The outdoor kitchen is stucco with stone veneer, fitted with a grill, side burner, refrigerator and sink. Decomposed granite and natural stone steppers mark the walkways, steel edging holds the lines, and layered planting softens the seam where hardscape meets garden.
The Design Process
From survey to buildable plan
Every project is measured, drawn, and approved before a shovel goes in the ground. These are the actual drawings for this property.
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100%Base Plan
This existing site plan illustrates the current layout and conditions of the property, showing the footprint of the main residence and adjacent structures, along with the surrounding yard areas. The drawing identifies existing concrete patios, paver sections, and curved walkway connections, as well as open dirt and planting zones that define circulation and outdoor use. Existing trees and landscape areas are shown to establish scale and spatial relationships, while hardscape elements such as the patio slab and small paved pad are documented to clarify how the outdoor spaces are presently organized and accessed. The plan provides a clear baseline of existing conditions for reference in future grading, landscape, and pool design development.
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100%Conceptual Plan
This conceptual landscape design transforms the existing yard into a thoughtfully composed outdoor living space, anchored by a central gathering area and an integrated outdoor kitchen. The layout introduces a Fossil Creek flagstone patio and curved circulation paths that connect the kitchen, fire feature, and surrounding seating zones. The outdoor kitchen is shown with a stucco and stone veneer structure, complete with a grill, side burner, refrigerator, and sink, establishing a functional hub for cooking and entertaining. Decomposed granite and natural stone steppers define walkways, while steel edging and layered planting areas soften the transitions between hardscape and garden spaces. Together, the fire feature, kitchen, and lounge areas create a cohesive, resort-inspired environment designed for socializing, relaxation, and year-round outdoor living.
Before & After
The property as we found it
Drag the handle to see the same view before construction began.
Finished Project
Hidden Valley in detail
12 photographs of the completed project.
Planning something like this?
We build Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Features and Patios & Hardscape across Southern California
Design, permits, materials, and construction are handled by one in-house team. A designer will walk your property, talk through what's realistic on your lot, and show you what the space can become.
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