"It was apparent that an existing swimming pool was awkwardly related to the main living area, located just where you would put a garden," says Page. "We were meeting with the clients and their architect, and the first thing I said was that the pool should move." It was a shock, but eventually everyone came to agree.

Page and Birmingham architect Katherine Owens subsequently worked as a team for the owners, refining the way the remodeled and expanded house relates to the relocated pool, new parking areas, spacious lawns, and a variety of gardens and other features. As a result, this grand estate has never looked -- or functioned -- better. The completed project embodies the best of 1920s domestic design, fully realized at last.

That collaboration shows first on the approach, where overgrown boxwood hedges were removed, a stone-paved guest parking court was installed at a lower grade, and a handsomely detailed front terrace was built to anchor the house in the landscape and give it a gracious entry sequence. Architectural refinements to the house include a new limestone entry surround, improved rooflines, and restored half-timbering.

Although the setting was generous, the space had not been used to its best advantage. Not only was the pool in the wrong place, but cars were also parked right against the living areas at the back of the house. "We wanted the pool and the cars to be in the background, not in a prominent position," says Page. On the lower side of the site, the drive branching off the new motor court leads past the house to an expanded rear service court and a two-car garage tucked under an expanded kitchen wing.

Another big move was needed to make way for all the changes. A garage/guesthouse built 20 years ago was picked up and set at the back end of the service court and given a porch to take advantage of views into a wooded ravine. "The cost was minimal, considering how dramatically it opened up the site for better use," says Owens.

Page placed the pool just on the other side of the tall brick wall enclosing the service court, turning it perpendicular to the house. At this location, it is close to the kitchen, facilitating poolside entertaining, with the relocated guesthouse doubling as a pool house.

A retaining wall opposite makes room for a pool terrace. From there, steps lead up to the main garden level and its tapis vert, a perfectly flat expanse of lawn.

"This is where the old pool was, so you can see what a change there has been," says Page of the broad expanse of green. "The covered porch added to the house at the end of the long lawn works as a pivot point between the house and the new garden."

The clients asked that the lawn accommodate a tent to hold up to six tables, each seating eight. "All the lawn areas have golf course-type drainage underneath, so even if it has rained for days, you can entertain immediately," says Page.

Horticulturist Pratt Brown chose many of the plants and keeps the garden looking its best. "We concentrated on getting the bones right, and Pratt works to provide botanical interest -- the jewelry," says Page. "Under him, every season is handled in three dimensions, from flowering trees and shrubs to tiny early spring plants underfoot."

Throughout the grounds, the big gestures are complemented by more intimate spaces: a side garden with a fountain framed by the timbered porch, an alcove with a classical stone bench and an espaliered crab apple tree, and strategically placed beds bursting with seasonal plantings. Just outside the kitchen are an herb garden and a breakfast terrace that gets morning sun.

To the rear of the lot, just beyond the relocated guesthouse, is a lovely new destination. What was once a "honeysuckle nightmare" has been transformed into a woodland garden. "About 10,000 daffodils have been planted there," says Page. "It's like a big secret garden." Yet another surprise in this superb example of a well-planned estate with delights at every turn.