LOCATION: North Hampton, NH

Some properties don't need reinventing, they just need a landscape that finally matches the home. This classic New England property in North Hampton, NH called for a full hardscape and landscape design overhaul: a sprawling bluestone patio, tiered natural stone retaining walls, and garden beds built to soften the transition between house and lawn. Multiple levels of natural fieldstone, capped with custom fabricated bluestone, step down from the home's rear entrances, solving grade changes while giving the family distinct spaces to sit, dine, and gather outdoors. Curved bluestone steps and a winding stone walkway tie the whole space together, guiding movement from the patio to the open lawn beyond.

The plantings throughout lean into classic New England charm: hydrangea, salvia, liatris, catmint, and lamb’s ear fill the raised beds in layered color and texture, chosen as much for their staying power through a Seacoast NH growing season as their curb appeal. Retaining walls built from fieldstone give the whole property a sense of permanence, like it's always been there, while the expansive lawn panels leave plenty of room to spread out. It's proof that landscape design and skilled hardscaping, done right, can turn a good backyard into the best room in the house.