This pool terrace in southern Vermont is nestled into a hillside below the main house with a breathtaking view of mountains receding into the distance. The terrace unites the pool, hot tub, pool house, outdoor kitchen and dining areas, firepit, and abundant planting beds. To complement the scale of the view and the house, everything we created for the pool area is also appropriately overscaled. A massive Sugarledge slab of stone sits beneath the large black granite dining table, while another slab abuts the dramatic fire pit. Local materials were used wherever possible: Chester stone for the terrace, local granite for the firepit, Vermont white cedars for the poolhouse, and predominantly native plants with some specialty perennials and annuals. Photo: Susan Teare.