In 2011 Stratford Hall, one of the nation’s premier historic sites located in Westmoreland County, VA, sought professional services to develop a plan for a new visitor center. Water Street Studio was asked to provide landscape architectural services to the design-build team chosen by the owner.
Water Street’s landscape architects guided the design towards a site solution that encourages a rich and dynamic experience for visitors with a broad range of ages and interests. All aspects of the visitors’ outdoor experience have been carefully and thoughtfully considered, from the initial approach to the site via a relocated driveway to a richly detailed entry courtyard that will provided gathering spaces and educational gardens, all conceived to compliment the historical setting and prepare the visitor for what lies ahead. Layers of planting position the site within the local ecologies while giving form to a garden-like setting meant to encourage memorable visits to Stratford Hall.
