High in the hills above Watsonville, a winding road and curving driveway lead to this modern Italian country house – a casale. RTD’s site and landscape design for this unique structure included a drive court that weaves around the house to deposit guests at the front door. On the front side of the home, expansive views are enjoyed from every room, wrap-around terraces, and courtyards. A pool and spa were carefully sited to allow guests to enjoy both the tower wing and shaded outdoor kitchen at one end, and the main house at the other. Plantings were kept modest, simply weaving the domestic grounds in with the natural.