Landscape Design Rancho Santa Fe
Landscape Design for Rancho Santa Fe Estates
Rancho Santa Fe properties are different. One to five acre lots, mature trees, architectural guidelines from the Covenant, and expectations that match the premium you’ve invested.
The Covenant’s Art Jury reviews all exterior work. We’ve been through that process dozens of times. Our designs incorporate Spanish and Mediterranean styles they approve while giving you the modern function you want. Stone fountains, rustic wood structures, and period-appropriate materials all help with approval.
Estate properties along Paseo Delicias, La Flecha, and throughout the golf club areas have mature landscapes that need updating. Overgrown eucalyptus trees create constant leaf drop and fire hazards. Aging irrigation systems waste thousands of gallons. We renovate estate landscapes while preserving specimen trees and working around root systems.
Drought-tolerant doesn’t mean desert rocks. We design sophisticated California-native landscapes using species like California sycamore, oak trees, toyon, and manzanita. Layered plantings with ornamental grasses and flowering perennials provide year-round color without constant maintenance.
Equestrian properties need specialized landscapes. Pipe fencing, viewing areas near arenas, dust control around barns, and separate access drives all require planning. We’ve worked on properties with riding rings, pastures, and stable complexes. Function matters as much as appearance on working estates.
Properties backing to golf courses or open space have environmental considerations. Fire-wise landscaping along property edges. Native plants that support wildlife. Permeable surfaces that manage storm water. We design landscapes that meet requirements while looking intentional.
Grading and drainage matter on large lots. Winter rains need to move away from structures and toward proper drainage. We see a lot of pooling water and erosion issues on properties that weren’t graded correctly during original construction. French drains, swales, and berms solve problems while disappearing into the landscape.
Custom Pools and Outdoor Living Spaces
Rancho Santa Fe pools are statement pieces. Your estate deserves more than a basic rectangle.
Large properties can handle resort-level pool complexes. Lap pools with separate spa areas. Beach entries for grandkids. Grottos with waterfalls. We’ve built 60-foot pools with multiple seating areas, swim-up bars, and dedicated diving wells. Scale matches your lot size and how you entertain.
Pool houses and cabanas provide changing rooms, bathrooms, and covered lounging areas. These structures need Art Jury approval, so we design them to complement your main house. Spanish tile roofs, stucco walls, and wood beam details all fit the Rancho Santa Fe aesthetic.
Outdoor kitchens range from weekend BBQ setups to full commercial-grade cooking centers. We’ve installed kitchens with multiple grills, smokers, pizza ovens, warming drawers, and full-size refrigerators. Covered dining areas seat 12-20 people comfortably. Counter space, storage, and proper ventilation all get planned from the start.
Fire features create gathering spaces. Traditional fireplaces with seating walls. Modern linear fire pits with glass media. We design features sized for your entertaining style. Small intimate conversation areas or large gathering spaces for extended family events.
Properties around the golf clubs and Rancho Valencia Resort area have entertaining spaces that rival resort amenities. Sound systems, outdoor TVs, automated lighting, and heating all integrate into designs. Your estate should function as your private resort.
Estate Hardscaping and Outdoor Structures
Rancho Santa Fe hardscaping uses premium materials. Natural stone, hand-made pavers, and detailed masonry work that matches estate-level expectations.
Driveways make first impressions. Long entry drives with curves, trees, and landscaping set the tone before guests see your house. We use pavers or exposed aggregate concrete that handle daily traffic while looking refined. Decorative borders, inlaid patterns, and multiple material combinations all add interest.
Patios around estate homes need to feel proportional. A 1,200-square-foot patio isn’t too large for a 7,000-square-foot house. We create outdoor rooms with defined purposes. Dining areas near outdoor kitchens. Lounging spaces by pools. Quiet seating areas in garden corners.
Retaining walls on sloped properties create usable flat areas. Natural stone walls fit the Covenant aesthetic better than manufactured blocks. We build walls that look like they’ve been there for decades, not last week. Dry-stack stone, mortar joints that recede, and plants growing in crevices all add character.
Walkways connect different areas of your estate. Pool to pool house. Main house to guest casita. Garage to side yard. We use materials that match your architecture. Saltillo tile for Spanish homes. Natural stone for Mediterranean estates. Pavers for more contemporary builds.
Arbors, pergolas, and covered structures need Art Jury approval. We design structures using appropriate materials and styles. Rough-hewn wood beams, Spanish tile roofs, and stucco columns all work. We handle the submittal process and work with the Art Jury to get projects approved.
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