Chilmark Meadow

The client was working with an architect to design an addition to the existing main house and a new guest house. A landscape master plan was needed for the 5-acre Chilmark property to address circulation between the main house, parking, and new pool patio, guest house, and vegetable gardens.

The east side of the property was bordered by a densely vegetated wetland; the north side by sweeping wetland meadow, a mix of herbaceous perennials and grasses. The Chilmark Conservation Commission required new development to not encroach on the wetlands and respect the 100-foot wetland setback. The setback determined the location of the new pool and guest house. Fluid movement from parking court and main house to the guest house needed to negotiate a 3-foot elevation change. Site demolition of the old guest house uncovered a substantial number of antique granite curbs and granite stones. The salvaged granite pieces would be integrated into the new landscape design.

The landscape design was driven by honoring the historic agricultural character of Chilmark – a pastoral landscape characterized by old fieldstone walls and meadows. Another unique feature of the site was a grove of 100-year-old elm trees; the elm trees acting as sculptural anchors at the south driveway entrance would be protected. The existing freestanding fieldstone walls would inform the style of the proposed retaining fieldstone wall. Salvaged granite curbs would be repurposed as steps. Planting of large canopy native trees, red maples and tupelos, would act as a backdrop at the pool patio. Low height plantings and additional meadow plantings at the front of the property would maintain wide open sunset ocean views toward the south of the property.

Project Quote

“The aged granite salvaged from the site was integrated into the design. Repurposed as steps and
fieldstone walls, in keeping with the historic character of the site.”

Team

Landscape Contractor: Landscope, Inc.
General Contractor: Mike Calheta
Architect: Sullivan Associates Architects