Backyards
Front Yards
Waterfront Landscapes
Ideas for landscaping along a lake, river or harbor
This waterfront property on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire was transformed for an active professional couple and their children. The backyard features an outdoor kitchen, stone fireplace and dining patio all with views of the lake. Belknap Landscape, the company who designed and built the project, says you must pay special attention to what materials will tolerate the exposure of lake front living. Furthermore, they suggest familiarizing yourself with any shorefront protection regulations established by the municipality and/or the state.
Located along the Piankatank River in Virginia, this property originally had a failing retaining wall and little to no usable space. Now curvilinear retaining walls and over a thousand square feet of pavers allow the owners grandchildren space to play and provide spots for the adults to relax. The highlight of this landscape is the fire pit that sits up high enough to take advantage of the water views. This project was designed and installed by Mid Atlantic Enterprise Inc.
This vanishing edge pool in Rancho Santa Fe, California was designed to provide an uninterrupted view of the lake below. From certain spots, the pool water seems to seamless flow into the lake. Amelia B. Lima & Associates, the company behind the landscape design for this property, took extra precautions to create a feeling of simplicity and elegance. A garden of aloes, agaves, succulents, and ornamental grasses surrounds the pool, providing textural contrast while using very little water.
South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island is home to this impressive water front landscape. Developed by Wood + Partners Inc., the backyard opens up onto a boat filled harbor. A vanishing edge pool with mosaic tile work, a covered pavilion housing an outdoor kitchen and a custom-built pergola with built in bench seating make this the perfect spot to entertain. The quality of design and construction rivals local resorts.
The biggest challenge for this lake front property was the slope down towards the water. The homeowners wanted outdoor space for spending time with family and friends, but they didn’t want it to feel like it was squished up against the house. Design/build firm Milieu Design added a new multi-level deck as well as a one-of-a-kind fire pit. Granite boulders were used to retain soli and create level spaces that could be used for a variety of activities. Lush green lawn leads own to the edge of the lake.
Another example of a property with a steep slope down to the water, this Spring Lake landscape in Michigan was in need of an update. The owners of the prairie-style home wanted a pool, spaces to entertain and an outdoor kitchen. Blue Ridge Landscaping helped them make their desires a reality. An Asian theme was used throughout the landscape to tie in with the prairie architecture. The bluff facing the lake was retained with fieldstone boulders.
This Alabama backyard has picturesque views of Lake Tuscaloosa’s water. The fire pit was positioned perfectly to take advantage of these views. The materials for this project were carefully selected to blend with the natural surroundings.
