A Three-Season Pennsylvania Patio Warmed by an Outdoor Fireplace

When landscape designer Robert Nonemaker of The Outerspaces Group first saw this Bryn Mawr property, the backyard held only an aging acrylic hot tub and a large retaining wall. The homeowners—a family of four—wanted to extend their living space outdoors. The result is a 14-by-16-foot bluestone patio sheltered by a pergola and anchored by a custom outdoor fireplace, creating a cozy living and dining area usable well into late fall.

Local Materials, Seamless Integration

Nonemaker sourced bluestone from the nearby Pocono Mountains and mica-flecked Pennsylvania stone to match the existing retaining wall. The fireplace's thermal bluestone hearth extends into built-in seating with log storage beneath. The pergola and mantel are crafted from hemlock milled by an Amish sawmill and treated for insect resistance—lumber you won't find at a big-box store.

Shade-Loving Plantings

Because deer aren't an issue in this dense Main Line neighborhood, the designer planted hostas, climbing hydrangeas, ferns, and other shade-tolerant perennials that thrive under the pergola. The family uses the space most in autumn, gathered around the fire as temperatures drop.

Your turn: Have a cozy three-season patio? Share a photo in the comments!