Get a great retreat

Not just beautiful, bluestone pavers are durable and perfect for patios, walkways or stepping stones. The color of each paver is determined by how deep the stone is quarried, and using a variety of tones creates a pretty, subtle pattern. Because it’s a naturally dense material, this stone is resistant to damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates.

Use a porous stone sealer every 3 to 5 years to protect pavers from the elements and heavy foot traffic and to enhance the color and add shine.

The fireplace with wood-fired oven is the star attraction here and can be viewed from anywhere in the backyard. Keep a stack of oak, maple, beech or fruitwood logs close by for cooking. You can sprinkle a thin layer of wood ash in your garden or add a cup of it to the compost pile, too.

Comfortable seating encourages guests to linger a little longer. Choose lightweight furniture so you can easily move it around and reconfigure depending on what type of occasion you’re hosting, whether it’s dinner with a few friends or a garden tour.

And having a variety of styles, such as loungers, dining chairs and rockers, gives you lots of options. For example, the rockers with extra-thick cushions can be turned to face the fireplace or the dining area.

No need to rush inside and out when you have a cooking station. A grill and small refrigerator with ice maker make meal time easier. Faced away from the gathering area, this feature just blends in rather than being a prime focus. The quartz countertop can stand up to exposure to the elements, plus it’s durable and easy to clean.