Boundless Prospects
Elle Decor|July/August 2017

When it’s time to tackle their overgrown 10-acre garden in the Hudson Valley, architect Jim Joseph and composer Scott Frankel find that success requires not a radical overhaul but patient shaping of the land

Eborah Needleman
Boundless Prospects

Jim Joseph recognized the house immediately when he saw it listed for sale. He had long admired the stately 1830s brick Greek Revival in Livingston, New York, but never thought it could be his. Yet as elegant as the house was, it had likely scared off other prospective buyers. Not only was it derelict, with the interior in disrepair, but it also sat on an astounding 10 acres of garden in the Hudson Valley—the spotty horticultural creation of a pair of plant-collecting brothers. The grounds were badly designed, poorly maintained, and then neglected for decades. For weekend gardeners like Joseph and his partner, Scott Frankel, the property seemed like a lot to take on. But they both felt that this should be their home. And so it is.

This story is from the July/August 2017 edition of Elle Decor.

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This story is from the July/August 2017 edition of Elle Decor.

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