Turn Up The Heat A New Windsor home receives a driveway facelift that is far more than skin deep. words by Jackson Finds
“We started with a blank slate as far as the landscape and hardscape goes,” explain homeowners Pete and Nora Meceli. Pete and his family built their house back in 2001 and have undertaken regular outdoor projects every year since. Over the years, the property has served as an amazing backdrop for their lives. Pete confesses, “watching our son and daughter grow up playing on the property—all those memories—that’s really what makes the property a home.” And a beautiful home it is indeed. The landscape has a great sense of belonging—one that is often elusive with a home built less than 20 years ago. Having spent much of their early focus on developing the backyard swimming pool area, the Meceli’s looked to the driveway for 2014’s endeavor. “I originally wanted to use old bluestone that I salvaged from a jobsite in downtown Brooklyn,” explains Pete, “but Nora wasn’t a big fan of it.” Choosing materials can sometimes be the most challenging aspect of any home project. Anyone who has ever completed major renovations, either inside or out, can certainly attest to these decisions being a bit overwhelming—ok, very overwhelming. But just like other industries have done for years— think kitchen, bath and flooring showrooms—the landscape industry has also begun to evolve the concept of “outdoor living showrooms.” Pete and Nora decided to go pay a visit to their friend Chris Fitch at Devitt’s Nursery located in New Windsor, NY. There the couple looked at many different pavers choices from many different manufacturers. “I liked the build quality and strength of the Unilock Pavers—they make a great product—and Nora liked the look,” recalls Pete. PHOTO: HALSTEAD MEDIA GROUP LLC
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