
Built-in gas grills with multiple burners and rotisseries
Refrigeration, ice makers, and beverage centers with marine-grade seals
Sinks with hot/cold water and proper drainage
Pizza ovens, smokers, or side burners for serious cooks
Ample counter space using durable stone or concrete
Landscape Design — Master planning that ties everything together.
Custom Patio Installation — The perfect foundation for your kitchen.
Fire Features — Extend your outdoor season with warmth and ambiance.
Water Features — Add resort-style elements nearby.
Property Concierge & Maintenance — Keep your kitchen and landscape looking pristine year-round.
Proudly serving Marblehead, Nahant, Swampscott, Salem, and Beverly for over 30 years.
From custom landscape design to comprehensive property care, we bring local expertise and architectural sensitivity to every project. Our team understands the distinct challenges of North Shore properties—from salt exposure and coastal weather to historic preservation requirements and the expectations of discerning homeowners who value thoughtful, lasting landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Landscape Design can be complex, and we’re here to provide answers to common questions. Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients.
Landscape design fees vary depending on the scope and complexity of each project. We begin with a complimentary initial consultation, which gives us an opportunity to meet, walk the property together, discuss your goals, and determine whether we are a good fit to work together. Following the consultation, we recommend the design approach best suited to your project. A simple consultation with sketches and plant recommendations is typically billed hourly. Comprehensive design packages for most residential properties generally range from $1,200 to $4,000 and may include site analysis, conceptual design development, detailed plans, and plant specifications. Projects that require historic district submissions or conservation commission permitting often involve additional design documentation and coordination, with design fees typically ranging from $5,000 to $8,000. Once we have visited your property and understand its specific conditions and your project goals, we provide a clear design proposal outlining the recommended scope of work and associated fees.
We provide comprehensive services from design through installation and ongoing maintenance. Our capabilities include landscape design, hardscape construction (patios, walkways, walls), outdoor kitchens, water features, irrigation systems, planting, lighting, and drainage solutions. We also offer property maintenance and concierge services. This integrated approach means single-source accountability and ensures designs translate properly to finished installations. For specialized work beyond our scope (pool engineering, complex electrical), we coordinate with trusted partners and oversee integration.
Timeline depends on project scope and complexity. Design phase typically takes 6-12 weeks including initial consultation, concept development, refinement, and final documentation. Add 4-6 weeks if historic district or conservation commission approval is required. Installation scheduling depends on project size—modest improvements might complete in 2-4 weeks, while comprehensive property renovations often phase over multiple months or seasons. We provide project-specific timelines during planning. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for most work; we avoid late-season installations that don't allow adequate establishment before winter.
Coastal Marblehead properties face unique challenges that generic approaches don't address. Salt spray limits plant selection dramatically—species thriving inland often fail in direct exposure. Materials must resist salt corrosion and moisture—standard metals and porous stone deteriorate quickly. Wind patterns affect plant performance and outdoor living comfort. High water tables complicate excavation and drainage. Conservation jurisdiction near water triggers additional permitting. Successful coastal landscapes require specialized plant knowledge, appropriate material specifications, and understanding of regulatory requirements. Our 30 years of North Shore experience informs these critical decisions.
Absolutely. We maintain many properties where we didn't perform original installation. Our maintenance approach focuses on quality horticultural care rather than just basic mowing—proper pruning techniques, coastal plant health management, attention to detail, and proactive identification of issues before they become expensive problems. We assess existing conditions, discuss your expectations, and develop maintenance programs appropriate for your property's specific needs. Whether you need weekly growing-season service, comprehensive concierge management, or specialized garden maintenance, we tailor programs to your requirements.
For concierge clients, we provide 24/7 emergency contact and proactive storm response. After significant weather events, we assess properties for damage, clear essential access, and coordinate emergency tree services if needed. We document conditions with photos and handle urgent repairs to prevent further damage. For standard maintenance clients, we respond to storm-related requests promptly and can coordinate emergency services. Coastal properties face particular storm vulnerability—our experience with nor'easters and hurricane preparation helps clients protect investments. We understand what constitutes true emergency versus what can wait for normal scheduling.
Options range from basic grilling stations to full culinary centers. Common elements include built-in gas grills with multiple burners and rotisseries, refrigeration with marine-grade seals, sink with hot and cold water, storage drawers and cabinets, granite or quartzite countertops, and task lighting. Popular upgrades include pizza ovens, smokers, side burners for sauces, warming drawers, ice makers, beverage refrigerators, and trash/recycling compartments. For serious outdoor cooking, we integrate proper ventilation, adequate counter space for food prep, and electrical outlets for small appliances. We help you select appropriate appliance packages based on how you actually cook and entertain rather than installing features that go unused.
Material selection is critical. We exclusively use 316-grade stainless steel for appliances and fixtures—this marine-grade alloy resists corrosion far better than standard 304 stainless used in most outdoor kitchens. Countertops are sealed granite, quartzite, or high-density concrete—not materials that absorb moisture and degrade. Cabinetry features marine-grade polymer construction, not wood or standard outdoor-rated materials that fail in salt exposure. All fasteners, hinges, and mounting hardware are stainless or coated for corrosion resistance. We design proper drainage so water doesn't accumulate, provide adequate ventilation, and recommend seasonal maintenance that preserves finishes despite coastal conditions.
Yes, outdoor kitchens typically require building permits and often electrical permits. Gas line work requires licensed gas fitters and inspection. If your property is in the historic district, design review may be required depending on visibility from public ways. For properties near water, conservation commission jurisdiction may apply if work is within buffer zones. We handle all permit coordination—preparing required documentation, submitting applications, scheduling inspections, and ensuring code compliance. Our experience with local authorities streamlines the approval process. Attempting to build without permits creates liability issues, complicates future property sales, and risks having to remove or modify non-compliant work.
With proper design, yes. Key strategies include wind protection from prevailing winter winds—using architectural elements or plantings as windbreaks, radiant heaters or fire features to extend comfort range, weatherproof covers for appliances during off-season, and systems designed for proper winterization. Many clients use outdoor kitchens actively from April through November, with occasional winter use on mild days. For true year-round functionality, some incorporate overhead structures with heaters and even retractable enclosures. We discuss your intended use pattern during design—shoulder-season use requires different planning than three-season or occasional year-round use. Realistic expectations about New England weather help guide appropriate investments.
We pride ourselves on delivering great results and experiences for each client. Hear directly from home and business owners who’ve trusted us with their Landscape Design needs.

They completely transformed our waterfront property with a design that captures harbor views while using plants that actually survive the salt spray. The outdoor kitchen has become our favorite space, and their attention to detail throughout the project was exceptional.
Robert & Jennifer M., Marblehead Homeowners

As seasonal residents, we needed property management we could trust completely. Their concierge service provides true peace of mind—detailed reports after every visit, proactive storm response, and our property always looks immaculate when we arrive. Worth every penny.
Patricia S., Marblehead Summer Resident

Navigating our historic district approval seemed daunting until we worked with them. They understood exactly what the commission needed to see, prepared comprehensive submissions, and attended the hearing with us. The approval came through on first submission.
David K., Historic District Property Owner
Ready to hear more about expert services at Marblehead Landscape Design/Build?
Contact us today to receive a detailed, no-obligation quote.
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74 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead MA, 01945
Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM