The objective of the Bella Cortile (Beautiful Courtyard) project was to screen the neighbors and capitalize on a large, sprawling lot in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the area. The very restrictive Architectural Committee encouraged an architectural style that incorporated old world and European accents. The client was looking for a very low maintenance second home that provided a place for their family to gather and would be close to the lake and a relaxed lifestyle.

The design features a central courtyard that allows for privacy from the neighboring homes while capitalizing on one of the site’s more mature oak trees. The home was sited so that the tree was in the center of the courtyard.