Tuscan-Style Firepit Retreat in Kennett River by Bryce Minett Landscaping
Perched just above the tranquil Riverwalk in Kennett River, this recently completed outdoor living space by Bryce Minett Landscaping delivers more than just good looks—it brings together functionality, natural flow, and Mediterranean charm, all with a deep respect for the landscape and local ecology.
With direct views overlooking the Riverwalk and a serene bush backdrop, this project was all about balancing beauty with practicality—creating a private, year-round retreat that works with the environment rather than against it.
The Brief: Tuscan Provincial Vibes Meets Coastal Bushland
The client envisioned a Tuscan-style, provincial outdoor area—perfect for dining, relaxing, and enjoying long afternoons beside a firepit. They wanted an inviting space for tables and chairs, easy access from the house, and in the future: a woodfired pizza oven and daybed zone for maximum leisure.
It had to be:
- Low-maintenance
- Naturally screened from the public path below
- Built with sturdy, long-lasting materials
- In harmony with the native surrounds
The Build: Broad Access, Clean Flow, Timeless Appeal
Bryce’s team started by reshaping the gradient, carving a broad and accessible staircase that flowed naturally from the deck above down to the newly-formed outdoor living area.
The steps were framed in charred black hardwood and inlaid with basalt-style pavers, set in crushed granite for a clean, informal look that nods to both provincial Europe and rustic Australian landscapes.
A circular firepit zone was built at the heart of the space, complete with informal sleeper seating, beautifully integrated into the slope and laid over compacted crushed rock and natural stone paving. The design allows for great views from above, yet feels private and secluded when you’re in it—shielded naturally by clever planting and elevation.
Key Features of the Project
✅ Tuscan-inspired layout – Evoking warm, provincial style while respecting the Australian landscape
✅ Wide, natural-flow access stairs – Safe, sturdy and elegant transition from home to garden
✅ Crushed granite grouting & basalt pavers – Low-slip, easy-drain surfaces that blend modern with rustic
✅ Informal hardwood sleeper benches – Durable and inviting, curved around a central firepit
✅ Indigenous and native planting – Carefully selected with the client, using specialised local species to suit soil, climate, and future screening needs
✅ Drainage & water control – Engineered to follow the natural fall of the land, keeping the space dry and usable in all seasons
✅ Future-ready design – Space planned for a woodfired pizza oven, daybed, and screening trees/shrubs to increase privacy as the garden matures
Form Meets Function, Nature Meets Style
What makes this project sing is the way it blends structured design with the wild beauty of Kennett River. The materials were chosen for longevity and ease, but placed to feel relaxed, unforced. The finished landscape flows with the slope, not in spite of it—echoing the free-form elegance of the surrounding bushland.
From morning coffees under the trees to evening fires by the pit, this is a space that lives all year long... and it's only just getting started.
Dreaming of Your Own Outdoor Escape?
Whether you want a firepit space with provincial charm, or a modern native garden that works with the land—Bryce Minett Landscaping brings skill, creativity, and heart to every project.
📞 Call us today to discuss your ideas. Let’s design a space that works with nature, reflects your style, and lasts a lifetime.
