Historic Landscape Design in Preston Hollow | Dallas, TX

Preston Hollow Pergola Built from Reclaimed 200-Year-Old Beams

This North Dallas project brings a distinctive story into the landscape, transforming an outdoor space into a one-of-a-kind outdoor living environment centered around a custom pergola built from 200-year-old reclaimed beams. In a neighborhood like Preston Hollow, where established homes, mature trees, and private estate lots often call for something more personal than a standard backyard feature, the Cedarbrush Pergola was designed to feel collected, intentional, and deeply rooted in place.

Salvaged from a historic orphanage, these handcrafted timbers introduce character, history, and authenticity that set the entire landscape design apart. The reclaimed beams give the space a sense of permanence that feels right at home near the classic residential streets surrounding Preston Road, Walnut Hill Lane, Royal Lane, and Hillcrest Road.

The pergola structure anchors the space, blending rustic materiality with a clean, intentional layout. Overhead string lighting and climbing plantings soften the structure, creating a comfortable, shaded retreat that feels both intimate and inviting. For a Preston Hollow luxury homeowner, the result is not just a place to sit outside, but a meaningful outdoor room designed for quiet evenings, relaxed conversation, and everyday use.

Surrounding elements are designed to complement the reclaimed wood, with natural stone, simple planting, and clean edges that keep the focus on the architectural centerpiece. The planting approach respects the realities of Dallas outdoor living, including heat, seasonal drought, and the need for durable materials that hold up beautifully over time.

This outdoor living and landscape design solution highlights the power of meaningful materials, combining history, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design to create a truly unique outdoor experience in one of Dallas’ most established neighborhoods.

Close-up of reclaimed wood pergola beams with string lighting and gray rafters in a custom outdoor living space in Preston Hollow Dallas, TX.

Key Features

  • Custom pergola built from 200-year-old reclaimed wood beams
  • Historic materials salvaged from a former orphanage
  • Integrated string lighting for ambiance and evening use
  • Climbing plantings softening the structure over time
  • Natural stone and simple planting palette for balance
  • Intimate outdoor seating area for relaxation
  • Durable, low-maintenance design suited for the Texas climate

Project Gallery

What Homeowners Want to Know About Custom Pergola Design in Preston Hollow

What makes a reclaimed wood pergola different from a standard pergola?

A reclaimed wood pergola brings age, texture, and authenticity that new lumber often cannot replicate. In this project, the 200-year-old beams became the visual and emotional centerpiece of the outdoor living space, giving the design a sense of history and craftsmanship.

Is this type of pergola a good fit for luxury homes in Preston Hollow?

Yes. Preston Hollow homes often have the scale, privacy, and architectural character to support highly customized outdoor features. A reclaimed-beam pergola works especially well when the goal is to create an outdoor room that feels personal, timeless, and integrated with the property.

How does Alterra Landscape Design approach plant selection for Dallas outdoor living spaces?

Alterra considers sun exposure, shade, drainage, soil conditions, maintenance expectations, and the overall architectural style of the home. For Dallas properties, plantings need to handle heat while still supporting the atmosphere of the space, whether that means climbing greenery, structured borders, or simple low-maintenance planting.

Can a pergola like this be designed for evening entertaining?

Yes. Integrated string lighting, comfortable seating, shade, and thoughtful circulation can turn a pergola into a usable evening destination. In this project, the lighting and softened structure help the space feel warm, inviting, and functional after sunset.

Create an Outdoor Space with Character, Craft, and Intention

A great landscape should feel like it belongs to the home, the property, and the people who live there. Alterra Landscape Design brings a thoughtful, design-first approach to luxury outdoor living, blending architectural detail, meaningful materials, climate-aware planting, and refined execution. For homeowners in Preston Hollow and throughout Dallas, that means outdoor spaces that feel elevated without feeling overdone, personal without feeling forced, and functional enough to enjoy every day. If you are ready to create a custom landscape design or outdoor living space with the same level of care, start the conversation with Alterra Landscape Design today.

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Landscape Design in Preston Hollow and North Dallas

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