Exscape Designs completes landscape transformation on local couple's 1915 home, restoring it to its former glory

190822 E5938 919
After seeing the work Exscape Designs completed on a neighbor’s historic home, Anya and John Rudd knew the company would understand the level of quality and detail required for their challenging vintage property. (Photography: Lynn Margalit)

By Mary Malik

How was your resort vacation with the family this summer? No time to squeeze it in to your busy schedule?

Between time off of work and rearranging the kids’ activities, it’s no wonder those vacation plans get pushed to the “maybe next year” category.

What if next year, and every year, you could head to your own backyard for the vacation of your dreams? Exscape Designs in Novelty has been in the business of creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor settings for homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio for over 15 years.

“We are a full-service landscape design, build and maintenance firm,” says Mike Siegel of Exscape Designs.

“We’ll design, create and maintain your ideal landscape for years to come. We have clients who rely on us strictly for landscape maintenance and others where we’ve done a complete outdoor space, including a pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and other structures. Imagine your dream outdoor space and we’ll create it for you.”

Whether simply maintaining existing landscaping or reimagining what’s there to include new plants, pavers and even a pool, Exscape Designs can handle every aspect of the job

And no one knows just what a dream outdoor setting looks like better than Anya and John Rudd, owners of Harcourt Manor in Cleveland Heights. After seeing the work Exscape completed on a neighbor’s historic home, the Rudds knew the company would understand the level of quality and detail required for their challenging property. Exscape consulted with landscape architect David Thorn to design the project and Exscape brought the design to life.

“We bought this house less than three years ago and did a top-to-bottom, inside and outside renovation,” says Anya. “David Thorn did a brilliant job designing the grounds. His plan cleverly considered the different levels of terrain and the quirky challenges the property presented to work in sweeping stone staircases, secret gardens, a grand scale pergola and a private lookout room.

“Exscape transformed this plan into a reality that we are happy to enjoy and share. It’s the most professional and well-organized company we have ever worked with in any capacity,” says Anya.

When Anya and John originally purchased this historic home, they wanted to both transform and restore it to its former glory inside and out.

That’s high praise from the interior designer who took on the project of turning this neglected, vintage, 12,000-square-foot home into the dream property it is today—in just over two years.

“Exscape provided the manpower, machinery and incredible organizational skills necessary to make this entire project materialize,” says Anya. “They were such excellent communicators throughout the process. We were never left wondering what was next and everyone involved cared as much about the end product as we did. Exscape really did the impossible.”

When Anya and John originally purchased this historic home, they wanted to both transform and restore it to its former glory inside and out.

Exscape not only created the landscape for the Rudds, but also maintains the grounds year-round.

“Now that it’s complete we have been opening it up for community events and fundraisers for local nonprofits,” says Anya. “It is our hope that people will be inspired by the project and commit to investing in these magnificent and often neglected old properties. It’s a wonderful way to give back and the outstanding job done by Exscape has allowed us to do this.”

Exscape not only created the landscape for the Rudds, but also maintains the grounds year-round.

“No matter the size of your project, our landscape designers work with you to develop a design for your outdoor space that meets your needs,” says Mike. “From the initial concept through to the finished product, we form a relationship with you because, in the end, it’s all about making that personal connection and understanding each client’s desires.”

Another customer in the Canyon Lakes community in Bainbridge uses Exscape for complete landscape maintenance for their home.

Exscape Designs took the creative vision of landscape architect David Thorn and translated it into this stunning finished masterpiece.

“We decided on Exscape for all of our lawn and garden maintenance because of the full range of services they offer,” says the homeowner. “We had worked with other landscaping companies in the past, but weren’t getting the level of service that Exscape provides. It’s so nice not to have to find other contractors to supplement your landscape company. Exscape does it all.”

Along with all of their lawn and garden maintenance, this client has recently contacted an Exscape landscape architect about additional landscape design work at their home.

“What sets them apart for us is their ability to listen to our needs and wants and execute them in a timely manner,” says the homeowner. “They’ve been a great company to work with.”

Mike says that Exscape operates on three guiding principles.

“Our ability to connect and imagine, to deliver the desired finished product, and our people and core values,” he notes. “We connect with our clients and imagine right along with them what their outdoor space can be. Our architects are experienced, creative and listen to what the customer wants. Once the plan is complete, the team executes and delivers the finished product.”

From start to finish and beyond, let your imagination run wild—and let Exscape Designs make your outdoor living dreams come true.

Exscape Designs is located at 10121 Kinsman Rd in Novelty. For more information call 440-729-0011, check the website ExscapeDesigns.com or find them on Facebook.

Categories: Eastside Home & Garden