How to Build a Stone Patio for More Outdoor Space

Swift House Inn has a new patio! Over the past year, we have been renovating many of the common spaces at Jessica’s and Swift House Inn. The latest project was to build a stone patio off of the screened-in porch of the Main House. This new outdoor space will serve as a place to relax, socialize, eat and drink, and more! It is a perfect place to read a book on a sunny day or to bring a drink from the bar to sit and watch the sunset.

The mastermind behind the project is plantswoman and master landscaper Joan Lynch of The Inner Garden, who hired Jamie Masefield of Masefield Dry Stone Masonry, LLC to craft the stone wall. Her expertise and creativity made building a very smooth process and resulted in a gorgeous patio for the front lawn. Take a look at the photos below to see the different stages of the project.

Dig Deep

The Inner Garden excavated a large hole in the grassy berm to form the foundation for the wall. It wasn’t the most attractive look for the inn, but very necessary!

Find an Artisan to Build You a Panton Stone Wall

The wall supporting the patio is made of beautiful locally sourced Panton Stone, a traditional material that comes from the town of Panton, Vermont. Since the patio was built on the sloping front lawn, a stone wall was necessary so that the team could construct a flat patio on a hill. A man in a truck dumped the stone in a huge pile on the front lawn. Jamie had to pick through the heavy stones and organize the stones. He then painstakingly fit them together like an artistic jigsaw puzzle.

Laying the Thermal Gauge Bluestone

Because of supply chain issues, Joan had a hard time sourcing the right bluestone to pave the actual patio. But at last, the supply came through! Her team worked together to fit each piece to give the paving a random, artistic feel. They left a margin along the wall to plant a hedge out of yews. Joan hired local welder John Baker to craft the steel edging for the yew hedge.

Yew Can Do It!

After laying the flat stones, the patio itself was complete, but the project was not. The next step was to utilize the Inner Garden crew to add a bit of greenery to the space. Matthew initially wanted to plant prim and proper boxwoods for a formal hedge, but at the last minute, Serena talked Matthew into choosing yew instead. Yew are hardier for cold Vermont winters. Also, the little red berries on yew hedges can be very festive and appealing.

The Final Touches

It is now ready for guests to enjoy with a drink, a book, or friends. With the pandemic continuing, it’s also helpful to have more outdoor space for socializing. Right now, it is a wonderful spot to bask in the beautiful fall foliage and admire the changing trees on the front lawn.

We are very grateful to the Inner Garden and Masefield Dry Stone Masonry crews for providing us with our lovely patio. Guests have already been making use of the new space, and we can’t wait to use it in future seasons. Come experience it before the snow comes!