Manchester Life 2017 | Page 66

gardenscapes Of course, it is not all work and no play. Blessed with mountain views of Green Peak and Owl’s Head, the north-facing vista is well suited to languorous surveillance of verdant hilltops, autumnal displays, and soaring, skyward families of returning red-tailed hawks. A hillside garden slopes down and away from the house and is best enjoyed from the vantage point of the pool below, perhaps whilst “floating on floaties.” qualifi ed, experienced professionals. Sugar Rock landscapes 802-875-3733 www.sugarrock.com [email protected] vemont fi eldstone . stonework . walls . patios planting . trees . light excavating 64 manchester life | www.manchesterlifemagazine.com The 1950s-era Gunnite pool is one of the property’s highlights. With its unusual shape, stone diving board, and mortared stone coping that edges onto the lawn, it maintains an almost pond-like character. Known as a “black pool,” its walls are darkly painted to absorb solar energy and passively warm the water. The Gregorys, both cold-hardy northerners, say it is swimmable by June. Dorset West Road Marilyn and David Brockway also welcome their garden’s admirers, from drive-by photographers to awestruck passersby. According to Ms. Brockway, she too was once an out-of-town visitor whose curiosity the garden had duly ensnared. It was by a great stroke of luck that during one of their winter visits, the property became available for sale. Nearly 20 years have passed but Ms. Brockway has not forgotten this fortunate serendipity. Fate led them to this “garden’s gate” and she’ll always be grateful.