83 Sumner Avenue

racey Krofcheck and Frank Locastro relocated from the South Hills to Bellevue last year in search of a walkable community with a more diverse population. They hit the jackpot! The garden behind their home, a Tudorinspired Revival, built around 1930 is what sold them on the house. The private driveway, a treasure in and of itself, is lined with luxurious ferns and perennials. The plants segue into the backyard which is a welcome respite from the stresses of everyday life. Now empty-nesters, Tracey and Frank wanted an open and inviting play space for their visiting grandchildren and an easily accessible, serene entertainment and conversation space. They envisioned a backyard with evening lighting from the chiminea and solar ground light. Bocce ball and badminton are favorites, and the terraced lawn is large enough for both. Tracey watched this spring and summer in anticipation for the garden beds to sprout their surprises planted by previous owners. To her delight, irises dot the beds and an array of flowering bushes frame the landscape. The hydrangea tree produces terra-cotta colored flowers which welcome autumn and give color to the fading scenery of summer. Tracy and Frank haven’t decided which flowers they’d like to see next year, but coneflowers and an assortment of spring bulbs are tops on the list. They invite you to meander through their yard, enjoy a moment on the patio, and reflect on the beauty of nature. 1