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As I, Leonardo da Vinci, have been challenged to design a backyard masterpiece for a Long Island, NY home, I realized this is no ordinary assignment. I’m tasked to breathe life into a canvas that spreads across a sprawling Long Island estate. The patrons envision a verdant haven – a sanctuary, a refuge, a playground – that offers respite from the humdrum of modern life. My ambition? To shape this tableau vivant into a sublime intersection of human joy and natural beauty, a place that sparks conversation and fosters connection.

The journey begins as you meander down a driveway, lined with dogwood and cherry trees. They lead to a grand, circular courtyard of cobblestone, reminiscent of Renaissance Florence. The epicenter houses an abstract sculpture that harkens back to my own Vitruvian Man, a homage to the synergy between art and science, human and nature.

From the courtyard, the heart of the oasis beckons – a cascading series of terraces that descend to a lagoon-like pool, its contours echoing the serenity of Mona Lisa’s smile. From my days studying fluid dynamics, I propose a stream winding around the pool, its gentle burble fostering a sense of calm. This water course will also serve as a channel for rainwater, an example of aesthetic charm meeting functional prowess.

The pool area, staged with Grecian columns and statuary, creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance, an open-air museum where guests can revel and reflect. The transparent pool surface reveals an intricate tile mosaic of ‘The Last Supper’ on the pool floor, a view to behold as swimmers glide over the masterpiece.

Following the curve of the pool is an expansive al fresco dining area. Here, under a pergola laced with wisteria and ivy, a long wooden table conjures visions of lavish banquets under the stars. Adjacent, an outdoor kitchen complete with a brick pizza oven, rotisserie, and a wine cellar carved into the hillside caters to epicurean delights.

Encircling the estate are various ‘rooms’ partitioned by living walls of verdant boxwoods, each hosting a different thematic garden – a sculpture garden with installations inspired by my inventions; a secret garden, its entrance hidden behind a moving hedge, an homage to my love for puzzles; and an orchard with various fruit trees, their bounty a nod to my vegetarian lifestyle.

At the edge of the property, a grove of mature trees cradles an outdoor theater. Its stage, built from reclaimed ship timber, winks at my designs of flying machines and military engineering. Here, performances under the wide, star-studded sky would bind art, science, and nature, much like my own life’s philosophy.

In creating this oasis, I am not merely designing an outdoor space. I am crafting an experience, a narrative of beauty and delight that is told in the language of water, stone, flora, and art. It will be a living testament to my belief that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, where every detail is considered, every element serves a purpose, and everything is interconnected, just as in the great tapestry of life.

This, dear readers, is not merely an oasis. It’s a manifestation of my lifelong pursuit to harmonize human and nature, to marry form and function, to intertwine beauty and utility. In this Long Island haven, the Renaissance spirit comes alive, not just to be admired, but to be lived, celebrated, and cherished.

As da Vinci once said, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” This outdoor oasis will never be finished in the traditional sense, as it will continually evolve with the changing seasons and its inhabitants’ lives providing an ever-changing, ever-beautiful tableau for the eyes.

The crowning glory of this outdoor oasis would be the observatory at the highest point of the property. Evoking my fascination with the cosmos, this astronomy tower – styled after the campaniles of Italy – will house a state-of-the-art telescope, a portal to the stars that held my endless fascination. It will not only serve as a testament to my relentless curiosity but also inspire the inhabitants to look beyond, to explore, and to dream.

For the art of entertaining, a versatile outdoor pavilion, its ceiling a replica of my ‘Star of Bethlehem’ sketch, will host family gatherings, pool parties, and intimate soirées alike. The pavilion’s shape-shifting nature ensures that it can transform from a sunlit yoga studio in the morning to a dance floor under the stars at night.

In essence, this oasis embodies the principles I have always held dear. Harmony, proportion, and humanism are woven into its every detail. It invites exploration, fosters connection, and encourages delight. It is not just a home, but a living, breathing work of art that pays tribute to the beauty of nature and the joy of life.

Through this Long Island oasis, I, Leonardo da Vinci, offer a renaissance of outdoor living, where every moment holds the promise of discovery, every corner a silent conversation with nature, and every gathering an unforgettable celebration of human connection. A space where nature is not just observed, but experienced and interacted with, making each day feel like a private sojourn into a piece of Renaissance Italy, right here in New York.

Gjana Construction

About the Author: Gjana ConstructionGjana Construction is a trusted licensed contractor in residential and commercial construction, renovations and remodels with more than 20 years of experience. Our blog and web articles shares expert tips, insights, trends and best practices.

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