In the Legends section of Chateau Elan, Robert Balotin and Ada Wang have brought their long-time dream to life, transforming a simple idea into a Japanese-inspired Zen garden getaway that reflects their love of travel, nature, and peaceful design.

Robert and Ada met in medical school while studying radiology and have been a great team ever since. Their daughters, Kylie and Lauren, grew up in a lively home that’s always had plenty of four-legged company. “We are animal lovers and have always had a house full of pets,” Robert says. Today, that includes four cats and Chloe, a rescued Husky/Great Pyrenees mix who’s quickly become part of the family.

The idea for the Zen garden had been in the works for years. Inspired by their travels to Japan, Robert and Ada wanted to bring a sense of calm and balance into their own backyard. A Japanese Zen garden, or karesansui, is a minimalist dry landscape designed to represent nature using rocks, gravel, and sand for meditation and contemplation. Rocks often symbolize mountains or islands, while carefully raked gravel represents water or ripples. The design is abstract, balanced, and intentionally non-symmetrical, creating an atmosphere of serenity and simplicity.

As an anniversary gift, Kylie and Lauren helped kick-start the backyard transformation. The Balotins worked with Lady Landscape to design the garden and bring their vision to life. Today, the lower courtyard features multiple small sculptures, several fountains, and a multilevel, Asian-inspired water feature that serves as the centerpiece. The fountains are the Balotins favorite feature of their yard, the sound “helps create a relaxing environment and a sense of calm.”

The project was a family effort from start to finish, and it quickly became more than just a garden. It reflects the family’s interests, their time together, and their shared appreciation for nature. Today, the Zen garden serves as a quiet retreat and a lasting part of their story, a space shaped by family, travel, and shared moments.