A Town & Country courtyard is an architectural beauty.

With the design expertise of architect Dick Busch of Dick Busch Architects, a simple open space on the front of a beautiful Town & Country home was transformed into the magnificent European-style front courtyard that it is today, and it was a creation that evolved naturally. According to Dick, the front courtyard space “created itself” with its uniquely ideal location for a one-of-a-kind addition to the home for entertaining and enjoying evenings outdoors.

Distinguished by a free-form, W-shaped row of stone caps, the courtyard entrance is set adjacent to the home’s main entry. Featured within the 14- by 20-foot enclosure, a brick wall with an iron gated stone arch gives an instant element of interest and appeal to the Old World-inspired architectural design.

A stone fireplace provides a warm highlight and was added without a raised hearth, allowing more floor space to be utilized for a dining table and fountains-including a pre-cast lion head fountain-giving the “room” just the right ambience for leisure or dining al fresco.

Highly durable masonry-oversized tumbled Tulsa brick and a tumbled Harvest Mix stone combination-contributes to the feeling of an Old World setting. The courtyard’s most prominent and artistically unique feature is the curvilinear top of the brick entryway wall. A charming wood burning fireplace, Eden flagstone pavement and lush plantings add to the coziness and allure of the architecturally rich space.

Frequently enjoyed by the homeowners, the open-air courtyard is described as an architecturally and aesthetically pleasing space and further enhanced by the peaceful sound of cascading water and wonderful nighttime views. The timeless architecture wraps the space in character and warmth, offering limitless opportunities for gathering and relaxation.

For picture,resources and credits, check out the link below:

http://www.stlouishomesmag.com/St-Louis-Homes-and-Lifestyles/April-2010/Old-World-Charm/