San Gabriel Project
A European Summer Escape in the Heart of Preston Hollow
Nestled in one of Dallas’ most prestigious neighborhoods, the San Gabriel Project was designed as more than just a backyard—it was envisioned as a private retreat where luxury, recreation, and nature exist in perfect harmony. Preston Hollow is known for its grand estates, mature trees, and timeless architecture, making it the ideal setting for an outdoor living space that feels both refined and inviting.
Inspired by the relaxed elegance of a European summer, every design decision centered around creating an environment that feels lush, effortless, and connected to nature. Rather than overwhelming the property with expansive hardscape, we intentionally minimized concrete and allowed the landscape to become one of the home’s defining features. The result is a backyard that feels established, layered, and welcoming from every angle.
A Pool Designed for Beauty and Everyday Living
At the heart of the project is a custom rectangular pool and spa. With clean architectural lines and a carefully selected finish, the water reflects a rich blue tone that beautifully contrasts against the surrounding greenery.
While the pool creates a striking visual focal point, it was equally important that it function seamlessly for everyday family life. To accomplish that, we incorporated a hidden automatic pool cover that disappears beneath a custom cantilevered stone basin. At the touch of a button, the cover opens and closes, providing an added layer of safety without interrupting the minimalist aesthetic. When closed, the cover blends effortlessly into the surrounding patio, preserving the clean lines of the design.
The pool’s creamy neutral tile, darker interior plaster, and natural stone aggregate work together to create water that feels reminiscent of a tranquil spring—subtle, reflective, and timeless.
Landscape as the Star of the Design
One of the defining characteristics of the San Gabriel Project is its landscape design. Rather than relying on excessive ornamentation, the planting palette creates visual interest through layers of texture, color, and form.
The perimeter of the property is framed with stately patio holly trees, creating a lush canopy and providing privacy without feeling enclosed. Beneath them, dense Euonymus hedges introduce rich evergreen texture while adding depth throughout the space.
Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is the collection of hand-pruned boxwoods. Carefully shaped in varying sizes, they create a soft, cloud-like effect that adds movement and sculpture to the landscape. Lamb’s ear introduces another layer of texture with its silvery-green foliage, while colorful seasonal annuals ensure the garden continues to evolve throughout the year.
Together, these elements create a landscape that feels mature, intentional, and alive in every season.
Recreation Meets Sophisticated Design
This backyard was created to entertain every generation. A multi-use sports court provides space for both pickleball and basketball, allowing family and friends to stay active without sacrificing the property’s overall elegance.
Instead of choosing the traditional bright blue court often associated with residential sports courts, we selected a deep forest green surface accented with crisp white striping. The muted color palette allows the court to blend naturally into the surrounding landscape while still offering a polished, professional appearance.
It’s a subtle design decision that makes a significant impact—bringing functionality to the space without competing with the home’s sophisticated architecture.
Reimagining the Loggia
One of the most transformative aspects of the project was the renovation of the home’s existing screened porch. Originally enclosed with fixed framing and screens, the structure was completely reimagined into an open-air loggia that better connects the home to the backyard.
By removing structural elements and opening the space, we created a seamless indoor-outdoor transition while maintaining comfort through recessed automatic shades. With the push of a button, the space can be enclosed for shade, privacy, or insect protection.
Today, the loggia serves as a true outdoor living room, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, dining area, and fire feature. Positioned adjacent to the sport court, it allows family and guests to relax comfortably while remaining connected to everything happening throughout the backyard. Whether hosting dinner, watching a pickleball match, or gathering around the fire after sunset, the space was designed to encourage people to stay together.
A Backyard Designed to Bring People Together
Every successful outdoor space balances beauty with functionality, and the San Gabriel Project is no exception.
From the hidden pool cover and thoughtfully layered landscaping to the integrated recreation spaces and renovated loggia, every element was carefully considered to support the way this family lives. Luxury wasn’t measured by excess—it was achieved through thoughtful design, timeless materials, and spaces that invite people outside.
The result is a backyard that feels like a destination: a place where mornings begin with coffee by the pool, afternoons are spent on the pickleball court, and evenings naturally gather around the fire. The San Gabriel Project isn’t simply a backyard transformation—it’s a European-inspired retreat designed for connection, relaxation, and making memories for years to come!