Next on the list for the Pamela’s Garden of Eden renovation journey was The Roadhouse’s curb appeal. With Pamela’s vision as a compass, the team got to work to give the property’s front lawn a whole new look with fresh landscaping, a large front porch and a romantic rose garden. Read on to see the transformation of The Roadhouse’s exterior from a drab front with little privacy, to Pamela’s dream porch.
Family History
When you look up ‘Arcady’ in the dictionary, it’s defined as a “rustic, beautiful place”, and that’s just what the property is to Pamela. It’s rich in memories and family history, having been owned by her grandparent’s before she purchased it from her grandmother over 20 years ago. Preserving those memories while giving it a fresh, livable update was key for Pamela and the team.
A Dedicated Crew
The exterior of The Roadhouse came with environmental challenges for the crew (Kenny, the construction consultant and designer Francesca pictured here). An unexpected carpenter ant colony in a front light fixture resulted in extra work and costs to exterminate. Francesca was met with her troubles when Pamela’s assistant Jonathan had an idea for the front path that wasn’t in line with her design plans.
A Tricky Path
Jonathan has the idea to reuse old bricks to create a broken brick path. Pamela loves the idea and the pair get to work creating an intentionally patternless design leading up to the front porch. Not everyone is on board though and the crew objects to the brick path both on the basis of it being structurally unsound, a tripping hazard and just plain not in line with Francesca’s Southern France-inspired design.
Cementing a Compromise
In the 11th hour, Pamela comes around to changing the brick pathway design when Francesca “pambushes” her with some stone options. A much more intentional design, the flagstone that replaces the brick also makes walking up the lawn in heels a much easier feat (something that Pamela will be able to appreciate!). In addition to the contentious pathway, clusters of flowers are put in. Pamela is impressed with the personality of the garden, and with Mother Nature as the co-designer, it will continue to grow and become more impressive as the years pass.
A Romantic Welcome
A key feature in the sweet transformation of the front facade was the large wooden arch. It does triple duty, providing some privacy for the front porch from the “lookie-loos” wanting to catch a glimpse of Pamela, acts as a trellis for the crawling roses to grow into and adds to the beautiful, romantic look.
Solar Savings
In keeping with her eco-friendly nature, Pamela wanted to install as many solar panels as possible on the Arcady property. As the first person in Malibu to have solar panels put into her residence, it was a no-brainer for her to offset her electricity consumption by doing so (which she was able to cut in half with the solar panel installation).
Wicker Wonder
Much of the furniture and artwork that Pamela is using to fill the property she has been holding on to for years, like this beautifully beachy wicker lounge. In order to make it porch-ready, Francesca and Pamela align on fabric to reupholster it, landing on a durable white denim (we know Pam loves white!) with a pop of pretty pink pattern for a few pillows.
A Pop of Pink
The pops of pink perfectly complement the rose garden out front, improving the flow of the design and adding that French touch that Pamela loves.
Yawn for Lawns
Pamela was bored with the lawn before the renovations (she doesn’t want to play soccer, she says playfully). The new design puts her roses front and centre and honours the original design of her grandmother’s house without it being “too grandma”.
Proud Pop
See the side-by-side comparison of the The Roadhouse back when Barry grew up on Arcady, to the stunning and fresh-feeling new facade.
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