{"id":1618,"date":"2020-03-24T19:13:34","date_gmt":"2020-03-24T19:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.foreverredwood.com\/blog\/?p=1618"},"modified":"2023-05-18T18:13:23","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T18:13:23","slug":"couples-pergola-provides-perfect-retreat-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foreverredwood.com\/blog\/couples-pergola-provides-perfect-retreat-space\/","title":{"rendered":"Couple\u2019s Pergola Provides the Perfect Retreat Space"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Custom<\/a><\/p>\n

Bob and his wife Jill own a large, beautiful property northwest of Los Angeles. Semi-retired, but still active, Bob has enjoyed a long and successful career in the entertainment technology industry, winning numerous awards and even being inducted in the Video Hall of Fame for his contributions to the growth of home video.<\/span><\/p>\n

Behind Bob and Jill\u2019s hilltop home, there is a large infinity pool, an outdoor kitchen and dining area, a fireplace, and a bocce court. Beyond the fenced yard and down the hill, there is an undeveloped piece of land, where Jill, a yoga enthusiast, saw the perfect little spot, by the stream that trickles through the valley, for a private oasis to nurture body, mind, and spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n

She envisioned a quiet, secluded spot where she could lay down her yoga mat and meditate. But the couple also imagined it as a place to read, enjoy a glass of wine, or simply talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re a close couple,\u201d Bob says. \u201cAnd we love being outdoors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, they often read books to each other. (Most often, Bob reads while Jill listens.)<\/span><\/p>\n

The architect who designed their home recommended they contact Forever Redwood about designing and building a pergola to provide the shade structure around which Bob\u2019s friend, a landscape architect, would help create a small park.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Custom<\/a><\/p>\n

When Bob first spoke with Raul, he described his idea for the pergola park and the two quickly began fleshing it out. Partly because of the strict zoning requirements in Bob\u2019s city and guidelines from the homeowners association, the original drawings required a few revisions and took longer than usual. However, the delay turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it inspired Raul and Bob to add to the original idea and make it something even more special.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRaul\u2019s recommendations were amazing,\u201d Bob says. \u201cHe knows what you need to do and he has good taste. The guy did a wonderful job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Working with Forever Redwood engineer Paty Vallejo, the team created at least 7 iterations of the project plans, along the way adding some beautiful features and touches. (This is not normal, by the way\u2013most projects take only one or two revisions, but when a project requires it, we love to engage the process. It\u2019s an art.)<\/span><\/p>\n

It started with a 14-ft Arched Pergola, which quickly became an 18-ft Arched Pergola with a deck. Two hanging Bench Swings, to be facing each other, were added, then made bigger to fit Bob\u2019s frame (he\u2019s tall and wanted to be able to nap on the swings). A Storage Bench followed, to be placed opposite the steps, Raul suggesting it be made the same length as the swings, for symmetry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Railings and steps were added. Electrical conduits were provided. Timbers were beefed up to meet local code.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a number of conversations and email exchanges, finally the plans were done and approved and an installation date was set.<\/span><\/p>\n

Forever Redwood\u2019s team performed the installation over a couple days in the summer of 2014.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe guys were detailed, very detailed, let me tell you,\u201d reports Bob. \u201cThey walked around with a level and showed me every railing, every beam. All the joints fit perfectly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n