
This one was a really satisfying build. The homeowner wanted a backyard space that felt intentional - somewhere to actually gather, not just a flat slab dropped behind the house. So we designed a sunken granite patio with built-in stone seating walls and a recessed linear fire feature centered right in the middle of the space.
The sunken layout is what makes this design work. It naturally defines the space without fencing anything off. You step down into it and it immediately feels more private, more grounded. That sense of being tucked in - surrounded by stonework on three sides - makes it a completely different experience than a ground-level patio.
The stonework throughout is dry-stacked granite, fitted and laid by hand. Clean coursing, tight joints, and corners that actually hold their shape. That kind of craftsmanship takes time, but it's what separates a patio that looks good for a season from one that holds up for decades. Granite in particular is one of the most durable materials we work with - it handles freeze-thaw cycles well, which matters a lot up here in the Mount Washington Valley.
The large-format bluestone pavers on the patio floor tie everything together. Smooth, consistent, and scaled to match the size of the space. Paired with the rugged texture of the granite walls, you get a finished look that feels both polished and natural at the same time. It fits the property without trying to compete with it.
If you've been sitting on an idea for your backyard, this is the kind of work we do. Thoughtful design, quality materials, and stonework that's built to last. We serve North Conway and the surrounding Mount Washington Valley area.
