Spanish Revival Garden – Coronado, California

“A Timeless Landscape Inspired by Spanish Colonial Heritage”

Pool Garden Sketch

This Coronado estate reinterprets the elegance of Spanish Revival architecture through a carefully composed garden design. Rooted in the traditions of Mediterranean, Moorish, and Gothic influences, the landscape features courtyards, pergolas with vines, colorful tiles, and terracotta details that harmonize with the home’s historic architecture. A grand swimming pool, shaded outdoor rooms, and lush fruit tree plantings create both beauty and functionality, offering serene transitions from the street to private living spaces. Designed as a living cultural landscape, the garden merges history, ecology, and comfort, reflecting LASD Studio’s commitment to creating landscapes in balance with nature.

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We began this journey by looking at historical documents about the property and dive into Spanish Revival essence.

Spanish Revival (Colonial Revival) 1915-1931.

This style appears in North America during Panama - California Exposition. This is eclectic combination of early Spanish colonization of North and South America, started in Florida and California. Roots of this style coming from traditional Spanish, Mediterranean architecture with earlier influence of Moorish and Gothic architecture. This style became known as Spanish Revival, Colonial Revival or Spanish Eclectic. The main elements of this style are: Curves and arches, white stucco exterior and wall, colored tiles with Spanish ornament, terracotta roof tiles, plenty of balconies with beautiful ironwork, wooden doors and gates, cozy courtyards and patios with large terracotta pots small fountains. Sometimes we can see influence of Moorish architecture like lanterns with colorful glass and pavement of with special ornament.

Spanish Revival Style Diagram

Referred to as Spanish Revival, Colonial Revival, or Spanish Eclectic, the style is distinguished by:

• Curved forms and graceful arches

• White stucco walls and exteriors

• Decorative, hand-painted Spanish tiles

• Terracotta roof tiles and flooring

• Balconies with wrought-iron railings

• Heavy wooden doors and ornamental gates

• Intimate courtyards and patios with fountains and terracotta pots

• Moorish touches: colorful lanterns, geometric pavements, patterned tiles

This project in Coronado, California celebrates that tradition, reinterpreting it for a contemporary lifestyle while honoring the architectural heritage of the estate.

Historic Site Plan and Garden Details

Historic Architectural Elevations

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Historical Research and Foundations

Our journey began by studying historical documents and original architectural drawings of the property. This research allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the essence of Spanish Revival, ensuring that the garden design would not only complement the home but also expand on its cultural narrative.

Visual boards and material palettes were prepared to experience the spirit of the style before design development began. From tiles to lanterns, from pergola structures to Mediterranean planting, every element was carefully selected to harmonize with the house.

Herb Garden Mood Board

Hardscape & Paving Mood Board

Herb Garden Mood Board

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~ 7 architectural elements of Spanish Revival Garden Style ~

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Designing Transitions and Garden Zones

One of the main responsibilities of this design was to respect and enhance the architecture while creating fluid outdoor transitions. Key design strategies included:

• Main entrance courtyard: A welcoming sequence with fruit trees and a pergola covered in vines, leading visitors toward the front door with the sound of a small fountain.

• Street buffer: Planting fruit trees along the street edge creates privacy, reduces noise, and strengthens the sense of arrival.

• Garden circulation: From the entrance, pathways extend toward the main garden, vegetable garden, guest house, and outdoor dining terrace.

• Private courtyard & pool: A secluded courtyard integrates a 40-foot swimming pool, surrounded by Mediterranean and Moorish-inspired planting. Pergolas and shaded seating areas create comfortable gathering spaces for family and guests.

Spanish Colonial Revival - Full Site Masterplan - Coronado, Southern California

Moorish Influences

Subtle Moorish elements were integrated into the design — patterned paving, ornamental lanterns, and tilework — which blend seamlessly into the broader Spanish Revival vocabulary. These details add layers of history and texture, while maintaining authenticity and elegance.

Entrance Courtyard Detail

LASD Studio Philosophy

At LASD Studio, we design landscapes as living cultural systems — shaped by history, but always evolving with ecology. Every project aims to close the cycle of clean water, fresh air, fertile soil, and biodiversity for future generations.

Our Spanish Revival Garden in Coronado reflects this vision: it honors architectural tradition, enriches ecological performance, and creates a timeless sanctuary where people and nature thrive together.

Entrance Courtyard Perspective

Here we solved important issue of the traffic from the street by planting a fruit trees. Pergolas with vines will create a great transition, that will be followed by little additional courtyard fountain.
What a great way to come home.

From here, we can go to main garden, vegetable garden, guest house and garden table.

Garden Axis Plan with Fountain

Private courtyard shared with guests. Here we will have 40ft size swimming pool.

Pool and Patio Plan - enclosed patio - Spanish Revival Garden Design

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Join Our Mission

We believe landscapes are essential for the sustainable continuation of life on our planet. Whether you are an individual, a business, or a public institution, we welcome you to join our mission of shaping, restoring, and evolving landscapes in balance with nature.

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