In the 1960s landscape architect Lawrence Halprin wrote an ode to the northern California coastline with his master plan for a new community called Sea Ranch.
Photography by Meredith Swinehart except where noted.
Silvers and Grays
Photograph courtesy of Realtor.
Allowed to weather naturally, a wood-sided facade at Sea Ranch blends into the landscape instead of fighting it. For more of this house, see Realtor.
Simple lean-to shelters and open-air sheds conceal trash bins, woodpiles, and garden tools. Built of redwood or cedar to match facades, they blend into the landscape instead of calling attention to themselves.
Subtle Storage
Friendly Fences
Photograph by Michelle Slatalla.
Fences to define property lines are strongly discouraged at Sea Ranch (hedgerows are preferred).
Photograph courtesy of Realtor.
Permeable Driveways
Driveways paid with gravel or decomposed granite provide good drainage, have a soft appearance, and ease the transition between garden and wilderness. For more, see Hardscaping 101: Decomposed Granite.
Rather than dividing lots visually with mown lawns or perimeter plantings, Sea Ranch properties blend into each other to create unobstructed views and a sense of spaciousness.
Photograph by Michelle Slatalla.
Common Ground
Peg Rails
Simple but brilliant; an unobtrusive cedar or redwood peg rail for beach towels, dog leashes, and sun hats will disappear visually when not in use.
Interior courtyards block wind from harming plantings and create serene, sheltered outdoor rooms for dining or lounging.
Photograph courtesy of Realtor.
Outdoor Rooms
Native plantings are naturally deer-resistant; no need to dread the impact of local wildlife.
Deer Friendly
Perennials grasses are drought resistant and look just as good in planters as in the ground.
Perennials in Planters
Black Accents
Architectural elements such as window sashes are dark (instead of a contrasting color such as white) to create a backdrop for the landscape.
Photograph courtesy of Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory member Nick Noyes Architecture.
Photograph by Michelle Slatalla.
Looking for a house in Sea Ranch? See what’s on the market at Realtor.