Mediterranean-Inspired Garden Retreat by Damaris Avila Design

After more than 30 years in their family home on the San Francisco Peninsula, the owners were ready to reimagine their backyard. With generous square footage and a tiered landscape that once included a long-filled pool, they envisioned a space that was more than “just a backyard.” They wanted a sanctuary - one that felt timeless, intentional and personal.



The team at Damaris Avila Design saw the opportunity to create a Mediterranean-meets-modern retreat: sun-loving, elegant, and deeply comfortable. The goal was to transform the garden into a place that could host extended family, welcome friends, and feel effortless for everyday life.

Collaboration & Craftsmanship

This project exemplified the power of collaboration. Working alongside skilled craftspeople and suppliers, Damaris curated a garden where every detail feels bespoke. Pergolas invite alfresco dining, olive trees frame sightlines, and handcrafted arbours lend scale and drama.

Navigating pandemic-era construction challenges - including supply chain delays and rising material costs - required adaptability and creative problem-solving. The result is a landscape that feels effortless, concealing the complexity of its creation.

EcoSmart Fire in the Design

A space designed for year-round living needed fire as its natural focal point. EcoSmart Fire was the ideal choice - delivering sustainable warmth with modern, architectural lines, without the smoke or mess of traditional wood fires.

Two fire features were integrated into the design:

• EcoSmart Fire Gin 90 Low in Graphite, fitted with an NG/LP burner*, charcoal glass media, outdoor cover, and glass screen.
• EcoSmart Fire Base 40 in Natural, featuring the G16 burner and matching inclusions.

The Gin 90 Low became the centrepiece, anchoring the main lounge space with its linear profile and functional surface. The Base 40 created a more intimate gathering nook on the lower terrace, ensuring warmth and comfort across different garden zones.

⁠*Fuel options vary depending on model and country regulations.

The Result & Impact

The EcoSmart Fire features became defining elements of the garden - blending seamlessly with the architectural lines by day, and transforming the space into a warm retreat by night.

What was once an underused yard is now a versatile outdoor sanctuary for morning coffees, alfresco dining, and lively evenings around the fire. The Gin 90 Low in Graphite anchors the main lounge with its linear elegance, while the Base 40 in Natural creates an intimate firelit nook on the lower terrace.

As the client reflected:
“I have to pinch myself because I can’t believe this is our garden.”

The project shows how thoughtful design, sustainable materials, and clean-burning fire features can redefine outdoor living - creating a timeless retreat for both everyday life and special occasions.