The Complete Guide to Investing in Lakefront Property

Like all Hayden Outdoors real estate professionals, Kevin Doyle knows land. Kevin is the oldest of the four Doyle Boys, while growing up on the Tri-Lakes in Mecosta County, Michigan. His genuine love of the outdoors started at a very young age and most of his adult life while living on Lake Mecosta, where he and his brothers embraced every water sport imagined, plus fishing and hunting, while ice fishing and snowmobiling in the wintertime. Kevin’s passion for lake living is evident while sharing his experience and knowledge with friends and clients alike who are considering investing in lakefront property.

If you’re dreaming of lakefront property, imagining afternoons spent relaxing in the screened-in porch room or evenings on the deck that overlooks your dock as the sun sinks low, Kevin has some tips. Here, he walks through important things to consider when buying a lakefront home or property. 

Types of Lakefront Properties

Private vs. Public

When it comes to talking about lakeside real estate, there are really two important types to consider: public and private lakes. While owning property on a public lake still ensures you are the homeowner, the main difference is access. Public lakes offer public access points while private lakes are for home and landowners only. “If you’re a private owner of lakefront property on a public lake, you just need to know the lake will get busier, compared to a private lake,” says Kevin. Public lakes do typically offer blanket regulations, such as no overnight mooring, but they can lack the sanctity of a private lake. 

Seasonal vs. Year-round

And these days, lake living isn’t always a summer-only endeavour. Many people who buy do so planning to live on the lake year-round. If you’re buying a seasonal property, you’ll need to keep winterizing in mind – making sure your property is properly shuttered and maintained for the colder winter months. However, according to Kevin, many newer lakefront homes provide plenty of amenities. “These days, it’s easy to settle into year-round lake life in homes that feature vaulted ceilings, a lakeside wall of windows, sliding glass doors out to a patio or deck, three- and four-season rooms.” Yes, please. 

Developed vs. Undeveloped Shoreline

To this point, it’s important to consider how developed and modernized you want your property to be. For some, the appeal of a knotty pine, rustic lakefront cottage with a natural rocky shoreline is the ideal. Others prefer more developed features, such as steel seawalls and permanent docks, firepits and sand volleyball courts. 

Finally, keep in mind that not all lakefront property is right on the lake. Important distinctions include:

• Waterfront: The property line adjoins the water and homeowners have direct access to the lake. 
• Water access: The property might share a path or a dock that provides access to the water. 
• Water view: As the name suggests, this type of lakefront property offers views of the water, but does not have direct access, although many lakeview neighborhoods and homeowners associations do offer a shared private beach or dock. 

Financial Considerations

Ask Kevin about the price trends for lakefront property and he’s quick to point out the supply-demand aspect of this unique type of land ownership. “A lot of family cottages will stay in families for generations. I just listed one on a springfed lake. This cottage has a beautiful 169 feet of beachfront; been in the same family for 55 years.” This type of generational ownership plays a big part in lakefront properties continuing to appreciate year after year. If you’re looking to buy, prepare your pocketbook for premium pricing in waterfront locations. 

An additional annual expense is property tax. While all home and landowners pay property tax, it is a tax that is assessed based on the value of the property. In short, the more the property is worth, the higher you can anticipate your property taxes to be. 

Given its unique waterfront location, your lakeside property might require additional insurance coverage, but this is dependent on location. Says Kevin, “Here in our area, in most of Western Michigan actually, most of the lakefront properties are not in any type of floodplain, so no additional insurance is required.” Flood insurance might not be applicable in many areas, but talk with your insurance provider to make sure you have adequate coverage for the following:

• Liability or umbrella insurance, especially if you have a lot of water toys, boats, a dock or any other feature that could result in additional risk or injury.
• Hurricane and storm surge coverage, while more important for those who live in coastal areas, large lakes can still experience storm surges large enough to cause property damage. 
• Windstorm coverage
• Boat insurance (if you have one)

Covering Your Bases

When buying any type of property, it’s important to talk with your real estate professional about all of the financing challenges you might face and possible solutions. Lakefront property can come with unique obstacles, namely higher property values and costs that require higher loan amounts, the potential for increased insurance costs, county and HOA property restrictions and specialized appraisals. Work with your real estate agent to establish the best path forward. If you’ll need to finance the property, explore all of your options, including fixed and adjustable mortgage rates, USDA and VA loan programs if applicable and seller financing. 

If your dream property is still out of your financial reach, don’t give up. There is always the option to explore smaller properties and lakeview properties. In Kevin’s home state of Michigan, for example, there are 11,037 inland lakes that are five acres or bigger, according to the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association. While you can’t buy or build on all of these lakes, that number does lend itself to plenty of possibilities. 

And it’s worth keeping in mind that lakefront property will almost always be a winning proposition. Kevin confirms, “Lakefront properties hold their value strongly.” They are highly sought after real estate. “On some of the most desirable lakes, I have several buyers who are just waiting for the right property to come available. Lakefronts have appreciated at a greater amount than some of rural property types. Lakefront properties are just a wonderful investment for making memories with your family and friends. You can not put a value on that. And that’s what lakefront living is all about.” 

Environmental and Regulatory Factors

Buying a lakefront property can bring with it a variety of environmental considerations. One of the big ones, according to Kevin, is whether the lake is spring-fed or not. “Most of our lakes in Michigan are considered spring-fed lakes. There are good natural groundwater springs throughout the lakes themselves that replenish every year, or daily. These lakes are going to be the healthiest. They’ll typically have better water clarity. The water quality is better and healthier for aquatic life; they tend to have fewer invasive species.” 

In addition to the water source, consider these key environmental restrictions. 

Shoreline regulations and building restrictions:

• Setbacks – the minimum distance homes and other structures must be from the shoreline
• Shoreline alterations – look to local agencies and authorities before removing vegetation or doing any major excavation
• Structure restrictions
• Erosion control
• View impediment

Riparian rights

Riparian rights refer to access rights associated with the ownership of land that directly borders a natural watercourse. In short, riparian rights allow property owners the use of water for various purposes so long as that use is reasonable and does not impede or harm other riparian owners or the public. In short, if your lakefront property is in close quarters to your neighbors, a public boat launch or other natural, personal or community infrastructure, it’s on you as the property owner to be respectful of general boundaries. 

Flood zones and FEMA considerations

It’s worth working with your real estate professional to understand any FEMA flood zone designations that might affect your property. The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) designate areas of varying flood risk levels. Ensuring you’re compliant with any potential flood zones will help keep people and structures safe, preserve the natural beauty of the property and maintain the best flood insurance rates possible.  Note that homes on natural lakes are often not in flood zones – the topography of the land ensures it!

Environmental protection requirements

If you’re investing in lakefront property, you most likely want to preserve its natural beauty as much as anyone. There are some essential environmental considerations and ongoing maintenance and management to think about before diving in, so to speak. 

• Erosion control
• No dumping in water policies and protocols
• Slope protection
• Pollution prevention
• Stormwater and wastewater management
• Zoning laws
• Building and shoreline modification permits

Water level fluctuations and management

Whether you find yourself on a natural spring-fed lake or a vast expanse of dam-controlled fresh water, make sure to consider how much water levels might fluctuate throughout a season. Will you need to pull your dock every fall, or is it permanent and able to weather ice and long winter months? Do you have shore stations for boats and other watercraft or will you need to pull your boat out of the water completely and store it? Is the lake prone to large swings in water levels due to irrigation factors, dam releases or spring run off? Keep these important questions in mind when planning for time and maintenance costs. 

Property Evaluation

In addition to extraordinary sunsets, prime fishing, lazing on a sunny dock or mixing up some mid-afternoon water games, the beauty of finding your perfect escape extends to properly evaluating the property before you buy. By all lakefront lifestyle measures, Kevin is an expert. Here ares some of the key points he likes to walk clients through before signing on the dotted line:

• Perform a complete water quality assessment to make sure your shoreline is healthy and swimmable.
• Work with an expert to test shoreline stability and establish proper, natural erosion control. 
• Make sure you understand your personal lakefront access, public access and riparian rights as they relate to your property as well as nearby services, such as boat gas stations, marinas and docks. 
• Walk your property line to get a complete idea of how much privacy your lakefront land will afford you and your family. 
• Talk through dock and boat storage options, especially if you don’t plan to stay through the winter. 
• If you’ll only be enjoying your lakefront home during the summer months, make sure it is properly winterized and shuttered by the time winter comes to avoid property damage or theft. 

Ownership Responsibilities

Again, the ownership responsibilities of lakefront property are unique, and working with someone who fully understands the joy and implications of the task is important to the success and longevity of your investment. Before you buy, talk with your real estate professional about the time commitment and other responsibilities of owning lakefront property, including: 

• Special maintenance requirements
• Shoreline preservation
• Community obligations and restrictions, and whether or not your property is part of a homeowners’ association or lake association
• Seasonal preparations and weatherproofing
• Wildlife management, including contributing to and preserving a healthy aquatic ecosystem

Lifestyle Considerations

Kevin refers to the “lakefront lifestyle” often and with the type of appreciation you only find in a kindred spirit who knows. He gets it and understands the literal and figurative ebbs and flows of a life spent on fresh water. It’s his inherent knowledge that sets him apart from other real estate agents when talking about lakefront living. 

It’s important, according to Kevin, to know the ins and outs of your lake, including what type of lake it is. “All-sports lakes are big bodies of water – large enough where you can waterski, wakeboard, do some high speed boating, those types of activities. If an all-sports lake is under 400 acres in size, it will typically have a no-wake time, typically between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 a.m., to give fishermen and people time to enjoy the lake without high speed boating and personal watercraft.” 

He continues, “If you’re on a smaller lake that’s considered a no-wake lake, there’s usually also a restriction on horsepower, usually 10 hp or below. Some lakes have restrictions on electric motors altogether.” 

Know Your Goals

This is all to say, think about what kind of enjoyment you’re seeking in buying lakefront property, including:

• Recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming.
• Community aspects of lake living, knowing you’ll need to share your big blue front yard with others, which can be fun and highly rewarding. Just ask Kevin; he loves a good boat poker run! 
• Seasonal changes and accessibility
• Work-from-home viability and whether or not this factors in. As work-from-home options become more popular, many have flocked to more secluded parts of the country to clock in. Make sure your lakefront home or cottage offers sustainable resources if you choose this path, including high-speed internet and phone options.
• Family considerations, including your family’s interests and how long you hope to own the property.

The Buying Process

Buying a lakefront cottage or home can be a lifelong dream realized. It can become a legacy property, passing from one generation to the next, and a place where generations come together to celebrate, relax and play. Given all of this, it’s important to work with someone who understands the special aspects and specific requirements of buying and selling lakefront. “Try to find someone who really knows what they’re talking about,” says Kevin. “Someone who has lived it and has a passion for it. When you find someone who knows what lakefront lifestyle is all about, that makes a big difference.” 

Make sure to talk with your real estate professional about key inspection points that are unique to lakefront properties, negotiation strategies and due diligence specific to waterfront. Doing the legwork upfront will mean you’ll get to sit back and relax once you close on your shoreline dream home. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of things that set a lakefront property apart, but to Kevin, it comes down to one very important element. “With my background, growing up living the lake lifestyle, it’s all about the view and the setting. To me, that’s just as important as what the cottage or home has to offer on the inside.” If you’ve spent time jumping off the end of a dock into crystal clear blue water, recounted a sun-soaked day with family and friends overlooking the lake at sunset, or found sanctuary on the boat in the middle of the lake, you know what Kevin’s talking about. And if you’ve always dreamed of doing these things from your very own stretch of shoreline, give Kevin a call, because he can talk lakefront living – in all of its wild fun, peaceful solitude and vibrant beauty – all lake day long.

An Expert Shares Things to Consider When Buying Oceanfront Property

Lauren Fichtl describes herself as a southern girl, now living out West. Indeed, her roots stretch from Georgia to the Florida panhandle to the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest. She’s an adventurous mountain towner who loves the beach; a hunter and cowgirl who’s not afraid to swim with great white sharks; and a passionate real estate agent who devotes her career to helping clients find the perfect place to call home. 

Lauren currently splits her time between Santa Fe, New Mexico and coastal Florida where she specializes in buying and selling oceanfront property. For many, living on the water is a dream, one she works hard to make come true in her current role as a Hayden Outdoors real estate agent. But in order to achieve the dream, there are a variety of considerations and pitfalls to avoid. Oceanfront property can be unique in a variety of ways. Here, Lauren walks through the dos and don’ts of buying land or homes near the water. 

Location Matters: Not All Oceanfronts Are Equal

Before diving in, so to speak, Lauren cautions that each oceanfront property is different in structure, access, coastline, and maintenance. “Depending on where you are, you don’t always own all the way to the ocean. Every county is different as to where that property line is, so it’s important to be mindful of what you’re buying. Most people buying oceanfront have the understanding that the majority of the property line will go to the high tide water line. This means others can walk near your property.” 

If you’re looking for a completely private beach, talk with your real estate professional about what that means to you and how realistic it is within your budget. Lauren outlines these considerations:

• Learn where the property line is – the high tide water mark, which can fluctuate, or another landmark.
• Does the property line extend into the water?
• Do you own surfer’s rights?
• Does the county have an easement that allows public access across the beachfront near your home?
• What are the HOA regulations associated with the property?
• Is there one access point, or are there multiple places homeowners and the public can walk onto the beach?

Proximity & Climate

It’s also important to think about proximity to urban areas. If seclusion is what you’re after, private beachfront can offer that, however, you might also find yourself farther away from local community amenities such as hospitals, school systems, grocery stores, and dining establishments and nightlife. 

While climate and surrounding environment are always an important consideration when investing in real estate, it is an elemental aspect of buying oceanfront property. There is the obvious threat of hurricanes, which can batter poorly built homes into disrepair. But oceanfront property homeowners also need to consider:

• Humidity
• Rain
• Wind
• Severe storms
• Flooding

Know the Risks: Erosion and Flooding

When you’re looking for the ideal beachfront property, two key factors to consider are coastal erosion and flooding. Both can decrease the value of your home and contribute to significant safety hazards. If your house is level with the ocean, this is particularly important. Coastal erosion can affect property values and personal safety by:

• Causing structural damage, such as structural instability, foundational damage, and faltering utilities
• Increasing flood risk by lowering the land elevation
• Driving up homeowner’s insurance costs
• Increasing the possibility of landslides
• Decreasing the market appeal and value of a property

Make sure you thoroughly understand flood zones as they relate to your property’s location. FEMA defines a flood zone as a geographic area with a specific level of flood risk. Flood zones can be anything from high-risk to minimal flood hazard. Flood zones can also affect your options for building as well as securing adequate flood insurance. Talk with your real estate agent about how flooding might impact your oceanfront property and the flood zones in and around your area. 

Along those water lines, flood insurance goes hand-in-hand with flood zones, and is an elemental aspect of any successful beachfront property purchase. Flood insurance protects your property, helps you recover more quickly in case of flooding, and helps you avoid financial loss and replace damaged goods. 

Maintenance Costs: It’s More Than Just the View

The ocean can be a beautiful, warm, sunny, inviting place to live. But it also presents a variety of maintenance challenges. Salty air can be hard and corrosive on exterior materials. Wind and water can batter a house over decades, increasing the cost of upkeep. Says Lauren, “It’s one thing to see a big, beautiful house, but you definitely want to look into the age of the property. Most of the properties that get completely wiped out in a hurricane are older construction.” 

Lauren’s list of materials and construction items to consider when buying on the beach include:

• The age of the home
• How it was constructed
• If any updates have been made
• Hurricane-proof windows
• Exterior materials, e.g. paint versus concrete versus metal siding or stucco

Additionally, take into mind the angle of the home – whether it faces the on-shore winds and water or is slightly askew to them. Buyers will want to look closely at landscaping and, if there is none, put in trees and shrubs that can withstand high winds, such as palms and heavy bushes. Stucco is a good alternative to paint or stain if you want to avoid having to reapply materials every few years. Passive homes also tend to better withstand the harsher, constant elements of coastal climate. 

Take all of these maintenance costs into consideration before you buy. Oceanfront property can require long-term financial commitments for repairs and maintenance. 

Seasonal Considerations: Off-Peak vs. Peak Periods

You might be someone looking to spend all of your days watching the sun rise and set over the coastal horizon, or you might simply be seeking a warm-weather getaway for part of the year. If you’re buying oceanfront property in a heavily touristed area that enjoys periods of ideal weather and other times of less tempting temps, make sure to account for how often you plan to be at the property and if it will be usable when you want to be there. 

Seasonal considerations include:

• Temperature fluctuations
• Hurricane season
• Tourist season (if you’re looking to escape the crowds, or join them)
• Water temperature
• Amenity availability

To understand the area’s high and low seasons, talk with your real estate professional, but also ask around. Pop into local shops and restaurants and chat with people who live in the area. If you’ll be flying commercially into the local airport, check seasonal ticket prices to make sure you can afford to get to your property when you want to. Think about if you’ll want to visit during high visitation periods (summer or winter depending on the area, spring break, holidays, etc.) and if so, how those costs might impact your decision to buy. 

Insurance Essentials: Beyond the Basics

When it comes to properly insuring your beachfront home, Lauren doesn’t equivocate. “Insurance is essential. Make sure your insurance is adequate and you have the right approval. Find a good insurance agent you have a good relationship with, someone who is looking out for your best interests.” Her top homeowner’s insurance tips for oceanfront property include:

• Don’t stop at hurricane or flood insurance. Get wind, fire, and storm insurance as well.
• Set calendar alerts or set up a yearly call with your insurance agent to make sure your insurance doesn’t lapse or get cancelled.
• Consider an endorsement or add-on to your policy that provides coverage for mold, which can become extremely problematic and systemic in oceanside homes. 

Spend time with a trusted insurance agent to fully understand the cost of your homeowner’s insurance. Talk about expected annual increases if your area is hit by a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster. If you plan on renting your home either short-term or long-term, include that coverage in your homeowner’s policy (this can drastically increase your premium cost, doubling it in some cases). Compare insurance quotes across companies, policies, and agents. If you’re a veteran or active military service member, you might be able to secure specific rates that can help lower the annual cost of your insurance. 

Maintaining proper insurance coverage for your oceanfront property is key to maintaining the property’s value and ensuring your peace of mind. 

Rental Potential and ROI for Oceanfront Homes

If you don’t plan on living in your beachfront home year-round, turning it into a rental property part of the year is an excellent way to offset ownership and maintenance costs and increase the home’s value. “When you’re getting a loan for an oceanfront property, the lender will look at the rental income because it will affect how much you can afford. Properties that rent for higher and more have higher purchase demand.” 

While this can be a great way to save money in the long run, don’t discount the costs associated with establishing a property as a rental, such as:

• Furnishings
• Amenities
• Landscaping and maintenance
• Utilities
• Housekeeping and property management fees
• Insurance

Before you put down a down payment, assess the rental demand in the area and any legal requirements. 

• Is your property zoned for short-term rentals? 
• If other properties in the area are rented, how much do they charge and what is the average length of stay? 
• Do you want to put any limitations on potential renters, such as number in the party, pets, parking, etc.?

Expert Advice: What to Ask Before You Buy

Lauren encourages potential beachfront buyers to approach the process with a checklist in mind, including key questions to ask real estate agents, inspectors, and local authorities, including:

• How old is the house?
• Where is the property line?
• Has it had any recent updates?
• Has it been tested for mold?
• What are the property taxes?
• How much are the HOA fees if there are any?
• Will you have the beach access you want?
• Are you zoned for short-term rentals?
• What are the environmental influences, including storms, hurricane season, flood zones, natural land barriers, etc.?
• How old is the roof?
• Are the windows hurricane-proof?

Some of these answers are obvious, others less so, which is why consulting with a professional is non-negotiable. Lauren and agents like her know which questions to ask and who to turn to for the most informed answers. She relies on long-established networks of reliable local authorities and inspectors to help her clients find their dream property within their budget. 

Conclusion: Making Your Oceanfront Dream a Reality

In a world where remote or hybrid work is now a reality for many, oceanfront living has become a possibility for those looking to escape to their own slice of beach. Lauren appreciates that. Growing up in Destin, Florida engrained a love of salty air and coastal life, one she’s happy to share with those looking to fulfill their own oceanfront dreams.

Add Value to Rural Property with Expert Landscape Design

Spend some time talking with Co-founder and Principal Designer of Garland Design Group, Susan Garland, and a few words catch your interest. Words like flow, functionality, circulation, and longevity. Susan’s expertise in landscape and interior design – and seamlessly marrying the two – extends from coast to coast. She began her landscape design career on grand estates in the Hamptons before migrating west where she received an MBA from CU Boulder before launching Garland Design Group. Today, Susan specializes in unified design – flowing exterior elements into interior design, and vice versa, and maximizing beauty and functionality throughout all corners of her clients’ properties. 

She loves the work – especially when it comes to rural properties. “I love larger scale projects that have a land aspect to them. There’s so much to think about even as you’re placing buildings or structures on a property. How does it all flow well? When you’re incorporating plants and trees that will last 80 – 100 years, you’re envisioning what that will look like for multiple generations of a family.” It’s this generational influence – truly understanding how clients of every age want to enjoy a particular property – that drives Susan’s talent for capturing the essence of both indoor and outdoor spaces. She sat down to give us a few tips on how to add value to rural property with flawless landscape design. 

Understanding the Importance of Landscape Design

The most exquisite property can easily go unappreciated if it’s surrounded by overgrown brush, neglected trees, and dilapidated out buildings. Susan encourages clients to consider landscape design as vital an aspect of a property’s value as interior elements or the buildings themselves. When thinking about landscape design from the 30,000-foot view, keep these key factors in mind: 

1. Quality landscape design enhances curb appeal, and first impressions matter. From the driveway material you choose to the natural trees, shrubs, and stonework that frame your entryway, it’s important to thoughtfully incorporate landscape design into your property.
2. Consider landscape design an investment in long-term returns. As Susan points out, one aspect of a property’s natural elements people love is fully grown trees. “I always recommend planting new shade trees early on and maintaining the existing trees onsite.” This is an example of the generational impact of quality landscape design. Planting trees today will provide shade, privacy, tree forts, and natural beauty for decades to come. 
3. Use landscape design to create functional outdoor spaces to maximize utility and enjoyment. A well considered patio, fire pit, bbq area, or portico extends living space and year-round value of your property. 

Assessing Your Property and Identifying Needs

The first step Susan takes with her clients when establishing the landscape design is understanding what the property currently offers, what it lacks, and what her clients want to accomplish. So, how does she start? “I go to the property and I walk it. It is so telling. I can start to see and feel the land. Land is living. I can see how and where the sun falls. Are there certain mounds that will work for a build site? Do certain aspects offer better views than others? It allows me to notice things that are already existing that we can foster and create special moments around. It allows me to literally get a feel for the land.” 

From there, she considers the actual elements that make up the property, such as sunlight, soil, and climate. It’s important to identify native plants that grow well in the area and be mindful of how much water is available and how much the landscape might need. It’s important to talk with a landscape architect or designer before investing in plants and materials to ensure any landscape elements you do incorporate into your property will be maintainable and have a good chance of success.

Finally, Susan talks with her clients about their lifestyle needs and wants. “I like to work with my clients to design for longevity. For example, what are their goals for the next five, ten, and twenty years?” If they enjoy pickleball and basketball, it’s worth considering placing the courts close together for easy access. People looking to use their property for large events will need to think about multiple outdoor structures and where to put them. Long-term vision helps ensure minimal changes as the property ages. 

Designing for Long-term Sustainability

One of the best ways to landscape your property in a way that will last is to incorporate native and low-maintenance plants. These species are naturally equipped to handle the soil types, climate, and elevation without requiring too much effort or resources. Talk with your landscape design partner or local native plant supplier to learn more about which plants thrive in your area and how to combine them for a beautiful look with minimal effort. 

As long-term droughts become more common, especially in the West, water conservation within your landscaping is becoming more important. Look for ways to conserve and capture water, as well as opportunities to incorporate water-saving elements. “In Colorado especially, it’s not sustainable to have a bunch of lawn on your property. Native plants won’t need as much care, water, or maintenance, and they can help keep costs low.” Also consider eco-friendly materials that occur naturally in your area and on your property. Susan looks to materials as creative opportunities. “Local stones and rocks are a great way to incorporate color into your design – color that can flow from interior to exterior spaces.” 

When it comes to plants and materials, it’s also important to keep scalability and durability in mind to help plan for future growth and maintenance. Rare materials might be hard to scale while untreated wood can be prone to rot and decay, depending on where it is and how it’s incorporated. Materials like concrete and engineered wood can add definitive, usable elements to your landscape design that will wear well over time. 

Enhancing Value with Strategic Design Elements

Turning to landscape design is a great way to elevate the value of your property as well as infuse unique design, creativity, and utility into your outdoor spaces. Creating a welcoming entryway not only entices people into your home, it provides access – a concept near and dear to Susan’s heart.

She explains, “I like to talk about access and future access with my clients. We consider which vehicles will need to access certain areas of a property. So for example, let’s say you want to put a basketball court and a tennis court on your property. Maybe it’s better to put them close to each other. If someone in the family wants to play some tennis while everyone else is playing basketball, you have the same circulation and same pathway to those areas. Even if you don’t need to access certain areas of the land right now, if you’ve planned well, those decisions can be easier to make down the road.” 

Your property is the perfect place to build what you love to do, and that’s a huge benefit of owning larger tracts of land. From archery ranges to adding a gun range, pools and waterfalls to entertaining areas, it’s really up to what your mind can envision and your pocketbook will allow!

Landscape design also offers a fun opportunity to incorporate color and texture into your outdoor spaces. Plant and material combinations can create vibrancy and visual interest without taking away from natural vistas and established property aspects. 

The Beauty of Unified Design

Perhaps one of Susan’s favorite elements of her design process is “the beauty of unified design.” This comes in the form of balancing hardscape (built materials that are incorporated into a landscape) and softscape (the landscape itself) to create harmony in design composition. “COVID really encouraged people to think about outdoor living spaces. A lot of what I do involves creating areas that are good for congregating, like a fire pit, bbq, hot tub, or patio.” Working with a landscape architect or designer allows for the seamless integration of softscape and hardscape to create an outdoor venue that is welcoming, functional, and beautiful to look at. It’s also a great way to address any fencing your property might need to help protect plants, gardens, or trees and shrubs. 

Maximizing Functionality and Enjoyment

To that point, these outdoor living spaces have become just as important as indoor gathering hubs like kitchens and dens. Susan and her team work with clients to design outdoor living spaces that cater to lifestyle. If you’re considering adding a pool, playground, sporting area, gazebo, or other outdoor venue on your property, working with a landscape designer can help ensure the seamless assimilation of recreational features and natural elements. In some cases, one can become a part of the other, such as a natural element playground, pool waterfall, or rockwall-backed patio. 

And don’t forget about exterior lighting and irrigation. Adding outdoor lighting to these exterior living spaces can extend their use, convenience, and functionality throughout seasons. Irrigation can also play a part in maximizing your al fresco gathering spot. Sprinklers and misters can make a patio much more enjoyable on warm days. Adding a TV to a shaded eating area results in a fun place to catch the latest game. Tea lights strung from tree branches over a fire pit add just the right amount of ambient light to your family’s s’mores sessions. 

Maintaining and Updating Your Landscape Design

Like any aspect of your home, your landscape design requires consistent attention and maintenance. Establishing a regular maintenance routine will help preserve the beauty and health of your property. It’s important to understand required maintenance before you install your landscaping to ensure you can keep up with the upkeep of your property’s flora. 

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that landscape design is a living, growing aspect of your property. Make sure to integrate a design plan that allows for flexibility and new plant selection as things grow and mature. Consider refreshing and upgrading elements as needed, helping to keep your property current and appealing. 

Conclusion

To wrap up our conversation, Susan takes things back to functionality and circulation. “I really focus on understanding flow from interior to exterior spaces and how it will affect views throughout the house and outside of the house. Also, I love to bring the outdoors in, thinking about materials used for the exterior that can be incorporated into the interior. I guide our clients in the broader aspect of the landscape.” 

It’s an important consideration – landscape design is much more than a few plants, garden, or patio. The outside is the foundation of your property. It’s a place to play, gather, connect, or take in the sunset with friends. It’s a way to conserve resources, and enrich the health of your land. It’s a unified design that expands your family’s home from thoughtful interior choices to every aspect, and every acre, of your property.