Two small Virginia businesses—each artisan-driven and each highly successful—have joined forces to create custom-designed, handcrafted tables.

McKinnon and Harris has been making high-end outdoor furniture in Richmond since 1991. New Ravenna has been producing exquisite glass and stone mosaics on the Eastern Shore since 1992. Now they’ve teamed up to turn out high-performance aluminum tables from McKinnon and Harris, topped with natural stone mosaics from New Ravenna.

“They have the same pursuit of excellence that we do, with a respect for creativity and the arts,” says Will Massie, cofounder of McKinnon and Harris, about New Ravenna. “They don’t want to be the biggest—just the best.”

Tabletops seemed a natural nexus. “We’re adding something cool to their product, which they were looking for,” says Richard Walters, New Ravenna’s CEO.

New offerings include a 45-inch Albemarle square dining table, a 45-inch Mundy round dining table, and a 60-by-30-inch Parsons coffee table. The three debut mosaic patterns, chosen from the thousands that New Ravenna makes, are called Raj, Marabel, and Rattan. Their stones have been polished, tumbled, and honed for texture and interplay of light. 

Each pattern exudes its own character. Raj is geometric and modern. Marabel looks like it’s straight out of an ancient ruin. And Rattan is textural, to round out the portfolio. “Designers really love to play with color, texture and patterns—and mosaics really give the designer the ability to create something truly unique that nobody else has,” Massie says.

He and his sister, Anne, founded their company with the goal of elevating and inspiring their clients with art, design, and craftsmanship. Of their 120 employees in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition, 95 are engaged in manufacturing. The firm creates its furniture out of high-performance aluminum with a titanium undercoating, adding an epoxy primer and a urethane finish. 

“It really gives us an edge over everybody in the industry,” he says. “We’re known for having a product that’s built to last—you can use it out on the saltwater.”

New Ravenna, on the other hand, was founded by Sara Baldwin, a native of Exmore, Virginia. While a graduate student at art school at the University of Pennsylvania, she visited New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and came across ancient mosaics. She began recreating them herself—and eventually turned New Ravenna into Exmore’s largest employer—with four buildings and a staff of 125.

Walters, who attended Georgetown as an undergraduate and the London Business School for graduate work, visited New Ravenna’s factory in 2013. “It was an incredible thing—it was art, but business,” he says. When Baldwin asked him to join the company as its CEO in 2015, he agreed—and then bought New Ravenna in 2017.

Walters and Massie met through Makers Alliance, a peer-to-peer network of like-minded, luxury maker brands. “We quickly formed a bond and determined that we’d love to create a product collection together because of all we have in common,” Massie says.

Luckily, he says it’s a collaboration destined to last for years. 

For more information, visit mckinnonharris.com.

By the poolside, there’s a slide—sleek, shiny, and sculptural—that makes you break into a big smile as soon as you see it even if you have no intention of gliding down its glistening length. For lounging in the bath, there’s an elegant hammock-shaped tub that looks as though it’s floating in thin air.

These fun and functional forms are the brainchild of Splinterworks, a U.K.-based luxury brand whose designs, according to founders Miles Hartwell and Matt Withington, pair a theatrical flair with exquisite visual tricks. “Our slides, which are custom, respond directly to the site, so we can work slides around into unusual layouts and can create striking sculptural slides that can even appear to defy gravity,” Hartwell says.

The duo, who found the fun in function when they started out making furniture, segued into slides when one of their Florida clients who had recently renovated his pool lamented the fact that he couldn’t find a design worthy of the new space. “We half-jokingly told him we would make some concepts for him,” Hartwell says. “From there,” Withington adds, “our first slide was born.”

Splinterworks—the fanciful name refers to the founders’ first foray, timber furniture that also served as functional sculpture—has created its signature slides and baths for an international clientele that includes AD 100 architects and designers, private homeowners, and resort-style boutique hotels.

Each design starts in a sketchbook that continues to grow over the course of the project. “For every design that makes it to fruition, there are 200 pages of those that haven’t,” Withington says.

Once the design comes together aesthetically, the partners concentrate on the structural integrity of the piece. “The most fertile ground for idea generation tends to be conversations with a sketchbook to hand, but, equally, we both find ideas do tend to just come to us as individuals,” Hartwell says. Withington adds that instinct also is their primary guide.

Although their original slide was mirrorpolished stainless steel that reflected its surroundings, they have developed other finishes. Steel is, indeed, hot to the touch, so the temperature is regulated with a sophisticated, proprietary system. “The slides cool within 15 seconds at the flick of a switch or a tap on your app,” Hartwell says, adding that recycled water from the pool is pumped through micro jets that cool the surface, handrails, and steps.

Splinterworks’ projects illustrate the versatility of the form. For a natural-stone house designed by architect Bobby McAlpine, Hartwell and Withington designed a slide made of bronze-finished natural copper that fits in with the setting’s warm, natural ambiance. “Because copper is a live material, we love to think of it as growing in beauty alongside the rest of the garden,” Withington says. “It will be magnificent to see it in the years to come as it develops its unique patina.”

In another design, to complement a contemporary-style house and pool in Ontario, Canada, that were designed by Slotegraaf Construction, Splinterworks took the form to the extreme, transforming the slide into a tripod and adding a tail. “The strict geometry of the multilevel, large-scale property was crying out to be played with,” Hartwell says. “Given the size of the space, with wide vistas over the Ontario landscape, we knew we needed to amplify our design to command enough presence to make it resonate in the environment.” 

Their response was a slide with what he calls a “wild tangle of curves.” “We found that by disrupting the lines of the architecture, not only did it make both elements sing, but it also invited the organic landscape into the property, connecting nature and the built environment,” he says. Withington adds that when “viewing the slide from different perspectives around the grounds, you strain to work out what it is.”

“And we love that,” Hartwell says.

Splinterworks also created a pair of double racing slides for an indoor pavilion designed by architect Rafael de Cardenas/ Architecture at Large. They complement the structure’s vaulted ceiling that’s lined with gill-like, sound-absorbing fins.

The Hammock Bath, Splinterworks’ other prime design, is the product of rounds of prototypes. “We were struck by the similarities of the ideas of kicking back in a hammock and losing yourself for a while in a quiet bath, little precious moments of me-time that allow you some escapism,” Hartwell says.

Noting that the hammock bath, which is made of carbon fiber and manufactured in the Formula 1 racing-car factory in the south of England, is “supremely ergonomic,” Withington says that “its gentle curve is so much better for your back than a deep tub with a flat base and steep sides that can crick your neck at just the wrong angle.”

The pair’s latest introduction is Downtime, a collection of candy- and custom-colored slides that are designed to be assembled on site. Assembling their three sections is almost as much fun as sliding down them, a point that delights Hartwell and Withington. “They allow the client to create a pool area that really reflects their personality and environment,” Hartwell says.

splinterworks.com

So much of the beauty of a coastal home lies in its proximity to nature. Crisp ocean breezes, the sweet scent of salt water, the warmth of the sun—these are the things that draw so many people to the idea of a home at the beach. Even better, coastal homeowners get to enjoy that outdoor beauty for far more of each calendar year than others who live in colder climes. 

To truly get the most out of living near the ocean, why not extend your home’s livable space to the outdoors by creating a backyard patio oasis? With a few of the following creative ideas, you can transform your backyard patio into a dreamy coastal paradise for yourself, your family, and your guests. 

1. Throw Some Shade

Warm, glorious sunshine is one of the best parts of living on the coast, but to truly get the most enjoyment out of your backyard patio, you’ll need to throw a little bit of shade its way. You can do this by constructing a simple pergola or wooden frame. Make it even shadier by draping it with a canopy to shield the area beneath completely. A colorful, large umbrella or awning can achieve the same effect. Before you decide on a specific shade option, though, take a close look at the way the sun moves in the sky over your yard. This way, you’ll know where the brightest spots are and how to position the cover for the best results. 

2. Green Is Keen

It might not be easy being green, but adding some green to your backyard patio oasis has never been easier. Think about adding plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs to create different levels surrounding your patio for visual interest and a greater sense of privacy. Be sure you select plants that will thrive in your coastal climate. For instance, lampranthus creates a lovely climbing effect and would look great growing up a trellis. Lantana will give you a lovely ground cover, while string of pearls makes a great hanging plant and trails beautifully. 

3.  Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Lights

Twinkle lights aren’t just for outdoor cafes and teen girl bedrooms. You can find a dizzying variety of styles and bulb shapes to suit just about any aesthetic. Twinkle light strings aren’t terribly pricey, so you can get a few different styles to create real visual interest for your patio.  

4. Echo the Ocean

Whether you choose a small plug-in fountain or build a larger in-ground water feature, it doesn’t have to be difficult to bring a little of the ocean’s peaceful vibe to your backyard oasis. You can find lots of ideas for water features online, many that can be built by even beginner DIYers in a day or two. Make sure the water never gets stagnant, so as not to attract mold or mosquitoes. 

5. Have Some Seats

Give careful consideration to your seating options. You’ll want to create a general seating area with a few options to suit your family and guests. Bypass the matching patio furniture sets and think more eclectically, while adhering to a color or style scheme to unify the look. Choose neutral-toned upholstery (you’ll see why in the next tip!) and make sure you test out the seats before you buy. 

6.  A Riot of Color

Now that you’ve got the basic bones of your oasis, add a riot of color to spice things up! If you’ve got neutral upholstery or seating cushions, liven it all up with throw pillows of different sizes, shapes and bright colors. Choose a mix of solids, prints, and patterns and go wild. 

7. Cooking With Gas (or Coals, or …)

Go beyond the gas grill by creating a full-service outdoor cooking area. Add a sink, basic storage with shelves and cupboards, a mini-fridge, and a prep area to minimize trips to and from the home’s main kitchen. Then you can keep the activity completely outside, while making sure the chef can stay involved in conversation with everyone else. 

8.  Build an Outdoor Shower

Is there anything better after a day at the pool or beach than coming home to rinse off in the great outdoors? It’s a more expensive option than the other ideas on our list, but if your family and guests enjoy being outdoors near the ocean, it’s a lovely luxury to enjoy. Keep it close to your home to minimize your plumbing costs, and add water-resistant flooring, proper drainage, and a privacy screen. 

Build the Beachy Backyard Patio of Your Dreams

Creating a backyard patio oasis will help you get the most out of your beach home. Best of all, enjoying all that the beach and ocean have to offer doesn’t have to mean a huge financial investment. Implement a few tips at a time to suit your budget. Let the internet help you generate creative ideas of your own with examples from other homes, and choose what makes the most sense to the way you and your family live today.

Summer is the perfect time of year for outdoor entertaining, with lingering daylight encouraging relaxed outdoor entertaining. Chances are good that you’ll be firing up the grill up for these summer gatherings. We consulted six chefs from leading coastal establishments to guide you along the path to grilling perfection.

CHEF CESAR ZAPATA, PHUC YEA & PHO MO, MIAMI

At Phuc Yea, Colombian chef Cesar Zapata serves up a modern interpretation of Asian/Latin fusion cuisine – a lively mash up of fresh and colorful Vietnamese ingredients pumped up with a spicy, bold richness of flavors of Zapata’s heritage. Zapata loves serving grilled oysters (pictured above) when you’re looking to impress. He says be sure to soak your oysters in salted water before grilling to make sure the last traces of grit or sand are released. After about 20 minutes of soaking, place the unshucked oysters on a very hot, preheated grill, flat-side up and cook for around 5 minutes or until the edges of oysters begin to curl up and eventually pop open. Load them up with a flavorful garlic butter and lemongrass combo and enjoy. phucyea.com

Request the recipe.

CHEF FELIPE MUNOZ, BIG BUNS, DAMN GOOD BURGERS, FORT LAUDERDALE

Chef Felipe Munoz says it’s important to use beef with fat for a great burger and recommends using ‘double ground’ beef, which ensures a better mix of the fat uniformly into the meat. He suggest using a high quality 7 to 8 oz beef patty with an 80/20 meat to fat ratio for the perfect burger. His other key piece of advice is to only flip the burger one time and allow it to rest before serving for about 5-minutes which allows the burger to remain juicy and intact. eatbigbuns.com/las-olas

CHEF ROCCO CARULLI, R HOUSE, MIAMI

Miami Chef Rocco Carulli loves grilling up Churrasco – the long, flat-cut skirt steak beloved in Latin cooking. When grilling Churrasco, always make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting on grill. He also suggests skipping the jarred stuff and making your own great chimichurri sauce. housewynwood.com

Request the recipe.

GRILLING TIPS FROM COASTAL CHEFS

CHEF CESAR FERNANDEZ, MATCHBOX LAS OLAS, FORT LAUDERDALE

Chef Fernandez says if you want to grill like a pro, it’s important to sear the steak well on both sides to create the perfect grill marks on the steak. To achieve the grill marks on one side of the steak, set the meat at a 45-degree angle against the bars on the grate and let it sear for at least 2 minutes. Then, give the meat a quarter turn from its starting position and sear it for at least another 2 minutes. Flipping the steak to the other side and repeating this process will allow the steak to achieve the same pattern on the other side of the meat as well. matchboxrestaurants.com/las-olas

CHEF JACQUELINE KLEIS, WILD FORK FOODS, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Executive Chef and Head of Culinary for Wild Fork Foods, a hybrid e-commerce/brick and mortar concept changing the way American shops for proteins, Jacqueline Kleis knows her way around a grill. Her favorite is wood or charcoal for perfect flavor, but finds gas easy and convenient and for indoors can get amazingly good results with electric grills. Her favorite cuts for the grill are Prime Tomahawk, Black Angus Florentine T-Bone, Black Angus outside skirt, rack of lamb, and Berkshire Ribeye Chop. The more premium quality the cut, the less need for seasoning; just coarse sea salt brings out the best flavor, but lean cuts like flank benefit from marinating to help tenderize the beef and rubs work will with cuts from the sirloin like tri-tip applied nice and early. wildforkfoods.com 

CHEF GORDON MAYBURY, JW MARRIOTT MIAMI TURNBERRY RESORT & SPA, AVENTURA

Chef Maybury says it’s important to befriend your butcher and try to avoid pre-packaged steaks as the plastic wrap traps in moisture. He says when buying, look for marbling and always remember to take your steak out of the fridge 20 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature, this helps it cook evenly. jwturnberry.com

More Grilling Tips

Calls of ‘opa’ are being heard around exclusive second home communities as developers add more pickleball courts. The pandemic led to growth in pickleball, and high-end homeowners want a piece of the action in their own backyards. According to Sports & Fitness Industry Association, in 2021, pickleball grew to nearly 5 million players in the U.S., an incredible two-year growth rate of 39.3%, and real estate developers are making sure to bring this popular new amenity to their current and prospective homeowners. 

Here are six oceanfront residential resorts that currently offer or are building picturesque pickleball courts.

Cove Club at Cabo Del Sol, Cabo San Lucas (pictured above)

Cove Club, which will ultimately have 375 homesites and residences, just opened the Agave Park Cove Club which has four pickleball courts with stadium grass stair seating, two Argentinian Paddle courts and a few tennis courts. Cove Club, home to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, is the newest private golf and beach club and resort community in Baja. The community is situated on 500-acres and includes a members-only beach club with toes-in-the-sand dining, four pools, golf, mountain adventure park, organic farm, and the racquet sports park. Cove Club offers a variety of living options for families including homes and lots with prices from $4.2 million to more than $15.5 million. coveclubcabodelsol.com 

Kukui’ula, Kauai 

Kukui’ula is an established 1,000+ acre residential resort community on Kauai’s South Shore. More than 300 days of sunshine, temperate breezes and beautiful new tennis courts make for an ideal morning or afternoon pickleball match. Members can take advantage of a private lesson or group clinic with the onsite pros. Huaka‘i staff can assist with set-up, game matching, and play for any racquet sports. Members and guests can also take it to the beach with a pickleball setup on the Kukui’ula harbor. kukuiula.com

The Abaco Club, The Bahamas

An exclusive lifestyle club and residential community that welcomes club members and homeowners to experience the privacy of paradise. With morning pickleball games, afternoon pickleball tournaments and the ability to schedule private lessons, The Abaco Club gives members access to all things pickleball (in addition to The Club’s other outdoor activities including tennis, yoga, fishing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing– meaning they can rest, play or explore all according to their own schedules). theabacoclub.com

Oil Nut Bay Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands 

Oil Nut Bay is located on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the coveted North Sound region of the British Virgin Islands. The idyllic island resort is entirely surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Lots and homes for sale range in pricing from $1.95 to $39.5 million and nightly villa rentals range from $600 to $30,000 per night. Amenities include a private beach club with three pools and a swim-up bar, wellness studio with gym and yoga, watersports center with equipment for kayaking, sailing, wind boarding, snorkeling, two helipads, kids’ club, and world-class dining options. Oil Nut Bay boasts two synthetic grass courts for tennis and two courts for pickleball. oilnutbay.com

Montage Cay, Abacos Islands

Montage Cay is a 53-acre private-island resort and residential community that will debut in The Abacos Islands in 2024. While in-residence, Montage Residential owners appreciate effortless living with personalized services and thoughtful touches, with a dedicated staff focused on delivering the highest standard of comfort, privacy and luxury. As an extension of the hotel, owners will have access to an unparalleled array of lifestyle amenities, including full immersion of a private island sanctuary, Spa Montage, private resident beach, a stunning resort pool, signature dining options, tennis and pickleball courts, and putting green. In addition, owners can place their residence in the optional Montage Cay Rental Management Program. montagecayresidences.com

The Strand, Turks and Caicos 

An exclusive, sophisticated hideaway in a relaxed coastal setting, The Strand is the first of its kind on Turks and Caicos with a limited collection of 46 luxury beachfront villas, custom residences, and homesites, alongside access to vibrant community programming and full resort amenities and services. The Beach Club flows into the centerpiece resort-style swimming pool, surrounded by native limestone, and the dramatic water’s edge restaurant and bar. In addition to the beachfront setting, the site offers 1,400 feet of canal and marina frontage, with a full marina and slips for owners, as well as several community yachts slips. Homeowners also have access to The Strand’s own Club Boats with a private captain, catamarans, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as a tennis court, two pickleball courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a secluded yoga deck. thestrandtci.com

For more places to play, visit USA Pickleball.   

After more than a year of lockdown, quarantine mandates and various COVID restrictions, open outdoor spaces continue to be the safest and healthiest way to socialize. Whether it’s your backyard, patio area, courtyard, deck, rooftop or pool area, your “fifth room” can be a COVID-friendly, safe and fun space for you and your loved ones. 

Whether you want to host a birthday party, family reunion or BBQ with friends, there are various ways you can improve your outdoor space to make it a much more enjoyable place for your guests. From entertainment features to cozy comforts, below are some luxury items you can add to your “fifth room” to make it even more special for yourself and your guests:

Cabinet Tronix’s Outdoor Mobile TV Lift Cabinet Bar & Fridge Stunner lets you get the party started in 30 seconds. The outdoor mobile US-made TV lift system, which fits up to a 65-inch TV with an optional soundbar and 360-degree manual swivel, is entirely weatherproofed and designed to be enjoyed in every climate. The interior is made of solid mahogany and includes a stainless steel ice bin that holds up to 40 lbs. of ice, a walnut/cherry cutting board, upper bottle holder, condiment station, bottle storage and space for essentials such as glasses, cocktail shaker and utensils. It also features two magnetic detachable lights that go over the bar for visibility after sundown, and which can be stored when not in use. Best of all, it comes with a 10-year warranty. Watch the sports game live or the latest movie with friends at your next BBQ.  

Cal Flame’s Four-Burner Stainless Steel Propane Grill Island with 27 in. Access Door

has a unique two-side bar table that can comfortably seat up to three people on each side so the grill master isn’t alone while prepping the best BBQ. The unit includes a G4 burner grill 45,000 BTU, Thermometer and a 27-inch stainless steel access door for storage. Its base is built with 16 Gage Galvanized metal, Hardi-board covered with durable Ameristone Stucco in stony creek with elegant three-foot bottom trim that matches the countertop, which is designed with 12-inch porcelain tile in cream color for a perfect match to any backyard decor or style. Grill in style and with enough room for friends to keep you company. 

EcoSmart Fire’s Table Base 40, Teak, Propane/ Natural Gas allows you to invite friends over for a night of drinks or roasting marshmallows. This luxurious outdoor fire feature with its eco-friendly fire table was masterfully crafted from composite concrete or premium teak. The Base 40 operates with three fuel-type options: plumbed natural gas and liquid propane for outdoor use, or eco-friendly bioethanol for indoor/outdoor use. The square fire table yields a clean-burning flame without releasing smoke, soot or ash for relaxation minus the mess of a wood fire. With height-adjustable feet and ample surface space for holding glassware and appetizers, the modern fire table creates an inviting space for relaxation. Keep warm on a chilly night or add the feeling of a bonfire with this great fire feature. 

Capri Outdoor Daybed can be a romantic cozy nook with a retractable cover or spaced-out seating arrangement for friends or family gatherings. Rust-free powder-coated aluminum frames serve as a sturdy foundation for handwoven 100% recyclable resin wicker. Made to mimic the look and feel of natural wicker, this synthetic version is actually more durable, easy-to-maintain and weather resistant. The cushions are even upholstered in an ultra-soft, solution-dyed polyester fabric that’s double stitched for strength. Modular components, including armless chairs, an ottoman and a c-shaped end table allow you to create the perfect lounge area. Layout in the sun or pull up the shade for some covered comfort in this luxurious lounge set. 

kathy ireland’s River Brook 6 Piece Wicker Patio Furniture Set, Toffee By TK Classic:

Destress in luxury with the Kathy Ireland® Homes & Gardens River Brook collection by TK Classics. This outdoor seating set features a custom hand-woven, two-tone walnut-colored wicker, which is crafted using a high-density resin material to ensure your seating set is built to withstand the elements. Gently sloped backs and armrests coupled with extra thick cushions provide both elegance and optimal comfort, while commercial grade aluminum frames ensure maximum durability.

While adding all the pieces will transform a space, even adding only one will make a significant difference in making any outdoor space fun. Pull all or some of these luxury elements together, invite your family and closest friends, and you can have a safe, socially-distanced gathering to rival even the most luxurious resort.  

From its high perch on the bluffs of Martha’s Vineyard, this coveted parcel delivers big views due east over Nantucket Sound. Dubbed “Big Bluff,” the home sits near the tip of East Chop, the northernmost head of land in the town of Oak Bluffs. East Chop Lighthouse is just down the street, and East Chop Drive—popular with walkers, joggers, and bicyclists for its stunning scenery—winds around the property’s outer edge.

The lot’s original home was a beloved fixture in the historic neighborhood; however, it ultimately succumbed to lack of upkeep and weather exposure. When the property changed hands in 2017, the new owners tasked island-based Hutker Architects with designing a Shingle-style structure honoring the original’s character. Meanwhile, they turned to Dan Gordon Landscape Architects to develop a landscape befitting the prominent site. 

“It’s a unique situation in that the residence is actually comprised of two buildings: a main home on the shore and a guest house to the rear,” explains principal Dan Gordon, who collaborated with senior associate Patrick Taylor on the project. “Our job was to provide circulation between the parcels and tie them together with a connecting vocabulary,” Gordon relates. 

In between the main dwelling and guest home (called, you guessed it, “Little Bluff”) is a low-use town road that presented a unique challenge to the designers’ unification efforts. Their response was to create a strong central axis: a bluestone walkway that stretches from the guest home, to the rear of the main home, and lastly across the front yard to the outer hedge. The only breaks in the walkway’s continuity are the road and the main home’s mass. 

Alternating the width of the bluestone steppers created a wavelike pattern, a subtle nod to the seaside atmosphere. “We pushed and pulled the edges; it’s a little playful, a little different,” says Gordon. “Our goal was to strike that balance between a clean, classic look and something a little more contemporary and fun.”

Twin arbor structures—crafted from western red cedar and placed on either side of the town road—further reinforce the connection between the two lots. “They act as gateways to their respective houses,” explains Taylor, “and their character complements the prevailing Shingle-style architecture.”  

For the main home, the landscape architects decided against elaborate foundation plantings, keeping the outline clean and uncluttered with a stone skirt. Then, open lawn sweeps out toward a neat viburnum hedge. On this coastal side, where the property is more visible, Gordon and Taylor came up with the idea of a secret garden, a surprise treat for passersby. 

“We extended the hedge so that it spirals around a flagpole marking the lot’s northernmost point,” notes Taylor. Within the hedge outline, repeating riffs of Endless Summer hydrangeas, Russian sage, and Karl Foerster grasses form a classic summer palette. “It’s such an exposed site that it really lends itself to summer plantings,” he adds. 

One of the clients’ special requests was to have gardens for cut flowers and veggies close at hand. The architects tucked these functional beds along the property line on the home’s more private side. Three beds with bluestone banding feature cutting-friendly perennials like Russian sage, Verbena bonariensis, and Agastache ‘Blue Fortune,’ plus extra room for annuals of the clients’ choosing. Closer to the house are three vegetable beds, complete with a custom red cedar support for tomatoes and peas. 

When the clients asked for plenty of bike storage, the architects delivered a custom bike stand: a large slab of bluestone with notches to stabilize the front tires. Sited at the base of the main home’s arbor, the bike rack reads as part of the hardscape, fitting in aesthetically while delivering practicality. “Downtown Oak Bluffs is just a short cycle away. The kids ride around on summer evenings; it’s very much a biking community,” notes Gordon.  

Passing ferries, fresh veggies, colorful blooms, lawn games, sunsets, and relaxing on the front porch to take in the view—this coastal property is now an ode to summer living. It’s quintessential Martha’s Vineyard.   

For more information, visit dangordon.com; landscopeinc.com; hutkerarchitects.com; jgemv.com; perfectionfence.com.

There are numerous reasons why you might be thinking about purchasing a property on the coast; from the year-round vacation experience to the views, buying a house beside the sea is often seen as the ultimate aspiration for American property owners.

And what’s not to love? A seaside property will offer unrivalled views of the ocean, easy access to some of your favorite hobbies and pastime, and more than a few envious visits from city and country-dwelling friends. However, owning a home beside the sea isn’t without its issues.

Issues affecting seaside properties

We adore beachfront homes and waterfront properties, but it’s essential that anyone thinking of purchasing such real estate is realistic when it comes to the issues they’re likely to face. Have you considered how the environment, and surrounding landscape, could adversely affect your home?

Sun, sea, and sand

Properties located in hotter climes are subject to the effects of long periods of bright sunlight, which can cause external finishes to age prematurely. Sand blowing in from the beach, and salty sea air are likely to cause rusting metalwork, chipping and scratching to paintwork, and damage to mechanisms such as window latches. The damage caused by sand and salt is unavoidable. Finally, consider sudden tidal surges and waves whipped up by the wind. High waves and rising water levels can mean that gardens and home exteriors, and even interiors, can be damaged by floodwater.  

Weathering and erosion

Waterfront properties are less sheltered than those further inland, so rain and driving winds off the ocean will do more damage than you might expect, battering homes and creating a need for frequent maintenance. Coastal erosion is also a great fear of many homeowners living close to the beach, as the shoreline gradually recedes towards properties. Such environmental action can greatly devalue a property – not to mention the concern and upset it will cause. The threat of rising sea levels due to global warming is a real one; during extreme tides seawater can flood land and homes, make access difficult, and affect electrical appliances. Water damage is a real issue for seafront homes, and must be taken into consideration if you’re thinking of buying a property in a particular neighborhood.

Issues affecting the interiors

Environmental damages don’t just occur outside; the frequent dragging in of sand and saltwater can scratch hard floors, sully carpets, and affect soft furnishings, meaning that items wear out far faster than normal. There’s also a real potential for damp in homes that aren’t well ventilated. Lastly, think about the humidity prevalent in seafront homes. Sea air is warm and wet, which is highly corrosive to fixtures, fittings, and even electronics. There is a real potential for problems inside and out.

Protecting your property from environmental damages

There are steps you can take to protect your property from harm that will safeguard your investment should the unthinkable happen. While we certainly wouldn’t want to discourage you from following your dreams it pays to be pragmatic, addressing issues as soon as they occur will prevent future heartache.

Protect your interests

At this stage it really does pay to do your research regarding the home you’re buying and the area it’s located in. Have there been any previous issues with erosion? Has the current homeowner had to do any extensive work in recent years? Are nearby properties affected by environmental damage? You must check building regulations, and ensure that they’ve been adhered to. It’s also a good idea to have a full survey carried out, in order to determine whether any work is likely to be required in the immediate future. Finally, you must get the appropriate insurance; Such a warranty will make repairs and renovations cheaper as and when they’re required.

Treat fixtures and fittings

The cost of keeping a seafront home is always going to be higher than that of maintaining an urban dwelling; there are certain environmental factors you’d simply not need to consider further inland. For this reason it’s a good idea to prepare your home for every eventuality. Be sure to use weatherproof paints and finishes on the property’s exterior, treat fixtures and fittings appropriately depending upon their material, and put covers in place on furniture so that the effects of environmental damage will be minimized as far as possible. You may also wish to purchase insurance and extended warranties for electrical items – just in case.

Prepare for regular maintenance

Above all, you should be prepared to maintain your property, and to address issues as they arise. Frequent weathering is something that will never cease, and issues such as damaged paintwork, rusting fixtures, and tired furnishings will only get worse the longer they are left. As far as you’re able, carry out regular routine inspections of all fixtures and fittings, repaint external and internal surfaces with protective paint and finishes, and address issues with flooring, and damp, as soon as you notice them. Some jobs may only take mere minutes, but they’ll lengthen the life of your home exponentially.

Owning a seafront property is the ultimate dream for many Americans, but there’s a lot to consider before taking the metaphorical and literal plunge; buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental issues that could cause them problems further down the line, while town and city developers are having to factor rising sea levels into regeneration and building plans. The truth is that there’s a lot to be done to protect properties from environmental damages, but it certainly does pay to be prepared for all eventualities.

Shaped privet hedges meet untamed swathes of periwinkle hydrangeas and layer upon layer of herbaceous plantings that sway in the Atlantic salt breeze. Greenwich, Connecticut–based landscape designer James Doyle and his team at James Doyle Design Associates have cultivated a Nantucket sanctuary here on the island’s bluffs.

The clients had very specific needs and wants because they spend a lot of time on the island from mid-summer into the fall. The large family gatherings that they host form the mainstay of their season. “Much of the landscape design was programmed around their need for outdoor entertaining and coastal views. The plant palette was dictated by varieties that flower at the height of summer,” explains Doyle. Another consideration was the heartiness of the plantings, which would need to be sufficiently salt-tolerant to withstand the moodiness of a seaside climate.

Doyle and his team began conceiving and installing the garden before the original residence was fully demolished and the foundation was laid for the new structure. The timeless shingled beach house, complete with a tranquil screened-in porch and multiple viewing decks, was designed by Nantucket-based architectural firm Botticelli & Pohl. As a result of this process, the home’s design truly responds to the landscape and the natural environment—and most importantly, to the ocean’s presence, which permeates everything. 

Because the clients’ goal was to maximize Atlantic views, the new home was constructed two feet higher in elevation than the original structure. That decision dictated the garden’s functional layout and all the transitions from the driveway to the cabana, posing unique challenges to planting on gradation and preventing erosion. Additionally, Nantucket has strict regulations for all renovation projects, so Doyle’s plans had to meet the approval of the island’s Historic District Commission.

The front of the home is far more formal and manicured than what awaits behind. Guests are welcomed by a broad driveway paved in crushed clam shells that were sourced locally. Amelanchier lamarkii trees add both height and structure. Doyle says, “One of our goals was to create many separate conversation spaces within the landscape.” To that end, a welcome garden is framed in manicured hedges, and there is also a grouping of Adirondack chairs for greeting friends upon arrival with glasses of cold lemonade. Though the lot is less than an acre in size, the distinct seating areas give an expansive effect. 

An oyster shell path leads through a white picket side gate—and it’s at this point that the landscape begins to spill over onto pathways with a blurry softness that channels Impressionist brushstrokes. Lavenders, lacey whites, and sage greens come together in easygoing botanic harmony. On the other side of the home, a similar path is carpeted in thick lawn and equipped with a double gate that can be opened wide to allow for event planners or caterers to easily set up for an event. 

The serene rectangular swimming pool with inviting spa headlines a backyard just waiting to come to life with friends, family, and music. “The challenge here,” explains Doyle, was to make sure that the space wasn’t overwhelmed by the functional [Bluestone] hardscape. “We’ve added jointed pavers, just to bring some softness to the area with grass.” A luxurious seaside cabana expertly hides the engineering of gradation behind, surrounded by abundant green lawn. Hydrangeas, the quintessential New England summer flower, bring a classic feeling to the space. Doyle brought in varieties including Endless Summer, Lanarth White, and Tardiva, much to the delight of the clients who had specified their preference for this summer shrub. 

On the edge of the property is an intimate firepit seating area—the perfect place for enjoying s’mores with the kids or late-night drinks and stargazing. The landscaping, which includes bayberry, a plant native to the area, feels so organic that it becomes challenging to distinguish it from the wild grass that layers the sand dunes beyond.

Doyle says, “These garden spaces are not just great physical experiences outside, but also, as you move through the interior of the home, you’re looking out over all these different areas. You can see the color in the foreground and yet you’ve also got the long, distant views of the ocean.” The playful serenity of the landscape is unforgettable. 

For more information, visit James Doyle Design Associates jdda.com; Architect: Botticelli & Pohl Architects; General Contractor: Hehir Group Custom Builders; Landscape Contractor: Wisentaner, Inc.

Outdoor heating specialist Bromic has announced the launch of a new range of marine heating solutions for residential applications in coastal areas. Already available on some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships and superyachts, the new Platinum Smart-HeatTM Electric Marine heaters are made of high-quality, AISI316 stainless-steel and were specifically engineered to provide superior resistance to the corrosive elements of coastal and marine environments.

With their slim, aesthetic design and wind-resistant, radiant heat output, the Platinum Smart- HeatTM Electric Marine heaters are the ideal solution for residential properties in coastal surroundings.

The Platinum Smart-HeatTM Electric Marine is available in a white or black finish and can be recessed directly into the ceiling, wall-mounted, or suspended from the ceiling to ensure they blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Featuring the most advanced heating technology on the inside and a premium, translucent ceramic glass screen on the outside, the Platinum Smart-HeatTM Electric Marine heaters spreads radiant heat evenly across a large area while minimizing unwanted light emissions.

Bromic Heating is a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of premium gas, electric and portable outdoor heating technology for the commercial, residential, and marine sectors. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, the company operates across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific and is recognized around the world as an industry pioneer, having revolutionized the market with its patented Smart- HeatTM technology.

“Properties in coastal environments have very unique requirements when it comes to outdoor heating applications,” says Karl Tschauner, director of sales at Bromic Heating. “Salty air and ocean spray are a real threat to most materials, including stainless-steel, so outdoor heaters are no exception. Our marine heating range is unique as it not only withstands the corrosive effects of salt spray, but also offers the most effective heat transfer on the market, providing comfortable warmth even when there’s a slight sea breeze.”

The Platinum Smart-HeatTM Electric Marine range can be ordered in either 2300W or 3400W models for heat coverage of up to 108 feet . In addition, Bromic offers a range of smart control options, including wireless dimmer controllers that can precisely regulate the heat output for the ultimate in user comfort and ease of use.

For more information, visit bromic.com.