Robert and Judi Newman’s estate, Pondbank, is a neoclassical masonry house located in Cherry Hills Village, south of Denver. The house provides contrasting northern and southern views, along with an eponymous pond.
The Newmans had been living on the site for 10 years before constructing their new home, with the goal of creating a comfortable family home filled with sunlight and intimate connections to the outdoors, including a well-designed roofing system.
The gardens, designed by renowned setting architect Herb Schaal, are magnificent extensions of the home, complementing the home’s architectural design and fully engaging the senses. They are an integral part of the estate’s charm.
The Courtyard Garden features a fountain and colorful plantings, and is accessible through iron gates at the driveway entry. It provides a view of the indoor enclosed art gallery and can accommodate 10 tables for garden parties.
Herb Schaal says, “The setting contains vertical, columnar trees that one would expect to see in Italy. We selected species that thrive in Colorado’s arid climate, such as junipers and evergreens.”
The Japanese Garden, one of Bob Newman’s favorite spots, is accessible from the primary bathroom and features a snowmelt path leading to a heated copper tub shaded by a Ginalla maple tree.
The Aromabo Garden creates a sensory experience along a path leading to the Cascading Garden, where water runs from square outlets into circles filled with colorful rocks, generating a peaceful sound of flowing water.
The Kitchen and Waterfall Gardens present a more formal design, with a greenhouse providing herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Champagne grapes occupy the west trellis, and cherry trees grow on the south side.
According to Don Ruggles, principal architect, “The Newmans’ commitment to their home and sustainable gardens is unmatched. A combination of architectural artistry and open connectivity gives Pondbank a unique framework for comfortable living and gracious entertaining.”
The gardens at Pondbank are designed to be sustainable, with a focus on reducing water loss. They feature a gray-green palette composed of xerophilic grasses and plants that bloom in dark red hues, helping to reduce water loss while recalling the beauty of the Mediterranean region.
The Newmans’ commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of reflexology stones and snowmelt paths, which gently massage the feet and provide a unique sensory experience, much like a backyard retreat.
Pondbank’s gardens stand out for their unique blend of natural beauty and sustainable design. They use native plants and xerophilic grasses to reduce water consumption, making the estate a model for environmentally friendly design.
The Strolling Garden at the pool’s west end features narrow winding paths that encourage visitors to revel in the pleasures of the space.
An east-facing arbor sheltering a pair of wooden swings fronts a view of a large boulder with a shallow basin on top.
The basin fills with water and reflects the moon as it rises, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
It is clear that the Newmans have created a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.
