Inwood Estates Vineyards - Tthe back yard private vineyard in Dallas, Texas, owned by Rose Mary and Dan Gatlin

Photo; Jeremy Chesnutt for Sharon Adams . When Jeremy and I would go on location, he would take photographs for me on my camera, so I could "be there" when writing the articles. I am forever grateful :)

It was during a photo shoot at someone's wine cellar when interior and architectural designer Rose Mary Gatlin began talking about her husband, Dan's pet project: Inwood Estate Vineyards, the vineyard in their [then] back yard, in the heart of Dallas.

She went on to say they were in the process of major renovations to accommodate outside entertaining and wine tastings, promising to call as soon as all was ready. They have since sold the house, but continue to maintain the vineyard. Isn't that delicious! Imagine owning a home with a vineyard in your backyard owned and maintained by one of the hottest vintners in Texas. Read updates and Dan Gatlin's history in Cheryl Hall's article and link to the Inwood Estates Vineyards website in the left sidebar column.

The Construction:
"Owning this old property is perfect for someone like me because there is always a new project," Rose Mary says. "As soon as Dan said 'vineyard,' I changed the style of architecture to resemble the south of France, a Provençal style, utilizing sunflower yellows and periwinkle blues."

In creating outdoor spaces, a strategy interior designers use is to visually divide the space into "rooms without walls" to define different areas. Exiting the home finds us facing a brick patio with a small table, benches and a refreshing swimming pool on the left, flanked by pavestone.

A jewel box garden is on the right. Lush green grass is surrounded by evergreen bushes and tall trees. Taking full advantage of the misting system from the vineyard, the sunset plays with the mist through the branches and leaves reflecting on the ancient columns and fountain, creating an absolutely enchanting vision.

"I knew I had the wrong pool man when he said we can just knock these down," Rose Mary says. "Even though the columns and fountain are crumbling, I insisted they stay."

Traveling further back into their deep lot, she created a hexagonal social space right in the middle of the vineyard. Utilizing pea gravel and a simple border, she created the perfect space for placing a very simple center table and chairs with a colorful tablecloth.

"My approach for this project was to experience the simplicity and peacefulness of the environment," she replies. "The juxtaposition of the simplicity of the design with the complexity of the wine enhances your ability to enjoy the wine."

"A rose by any other name ..."
Rose Mary Gatlin had told us about her dear friends and neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Harvey, who entertain in their rose-covered gazebo. My imagination flew with the visuals, imagining a dream-like setting, full of roses and romance. The reality did not disappoint.

When the Harvey's bought their house, it had stood unoccupied for 12 years. As the renovations were proceeding, they hired Rose Mary to help with an addition to the house, specifically asking that it remain in concert with the architecture, to maintain the integrity of the design. While that was accomplished, the Harvey's turned their focus to the gardens, creating four distinct areas of entertaining.

The first area, just outside the back door and over to the left side, is a very personal place for them.

"This is our area of meditation," Ray says. "It was the first area we completed when we bought the house five years ago." Paved in brick and topped with wooden furniture, they placed the fountain here because they wanted to be able to hear the water's soft flow from anywhere in the yard. It resonates softly from this perfect spot.

Today, soft jazz is playing the background and you can hear the slight sound of the swimming pool's fountains, dancing in the water.

Further down the lot, an entertainment area was built and furnished with selections from Smith & Hawkins and David Sutherland. Relaxing under the arbor's fan, the family enjoys grilling or lighting the fireplace and catching up on the day's activities.

Over to the right appears a romance lovers dream: the stunning gazebo covered in New Dawn roses. Four paths of trimmed boxwoods lined with brick surround the entrances leading into its private space, revealing a cloth covered dining table, fine antique china, heirloom silver, wrought iron chairs, crystal chandelier with blush crystal drops and of course, rose petals scattered on the grassy floor.

Oh, my! "These roses are four years old." Ray says, "I trim them as soon as their first blush ends and cut them back each February. They come back each spring and fall." The Harvey's entertain during the roses' full bloom season, enticing all who enter to enjoy a peaceful dinner's journey.