Gathering Outdoors: 5 Peaceful Patios

Summer might be nearing its end, but we can all agree that early autumn in New England carries its own magic. Fire up the firepit, pop on the twinkle lights, and continue enjoying gathering outdoors with your favorite people! Take a peek at a few gorgeous places to gather beneath the sun or under the stars, and get ready to keep the spirit of summer alive as autumn makes its annual return.

Oyster Pond Farmhouse

An original 19th-century farmhouse overlooking Oyster Pond in Chatham underwent a renovation that would preserve its historic charm while integrating a contemporary addition and sustainable building practices. Within the lush surrounding landscape, the owner envisioned an “enchanted garden” that would serve as a cozy and magical retreat. 

Beneath an existing cherry tree canopy, a secluded space with a flush wood deck, surrounded by newly planted flowering trees and hydrangeas, offers a inviting gathering space fitted with new furnishings and a firepit. Exterior brick was treated with a highly-resistant kalei finish, softening the brick’s texture and complementing the timeless character of the farmhouse.

(Builder: Sea-Dar Construction, Architecture/Interior Design: Hacin Design, Landscape Design: Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design, Landscape Construction: R.P. Marzilli & Company, Photography: Chris Cooper Photography)

City Life Anecdote

Privacy, views, and functionality played a major role in the design of this outdoor patio, with SV Design and Gregory Lombardi Design leading the charge. The property was envisioned as an anecdote to busy city life, where comfort was prioritized over formality.

The patio was strategically placed at the back of the house to provide protection from the wind. Though large enough to accommodate dining and entertaining outdoors, the patio space retains a quaint feel, enveloped by lush vegetation and the beauty of nature.

(Architecture & Interior Design: SV Design, Landscape Design: Gregory Lombardi Design, Builder: KVC Builders, Photography: Michael J. Lee)

Mattapoisett Retreat

Seamlessly connected to the kitchen through four full-height fixed glass windows, two sliding doors, and a five-panel bifold door, this peaceful outdoor gathering space includes a bluestone patio, an Alaskan Yellow Cedar pergola, and firepit. Just beyond lies a pool, spa, Ipe deck, and a pool house. 

The expanse of the landscape of this home was updated with 4,000 square feet of bluestone and new retaining walls with a brick veneer. Additional exterior enhancements include an outdoor kitchen with a striking waterfall-edge countertop and a centrally placed grill, three pergolas, and a firepit area designed for gathering.

(Builder: Sea-Dar Construction, Architecture + Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interior Design, Millwork: Sharp Woodworking & Decimal Point, Countertops: Millennium Marble & Granite, Flooring: Mac Davis Flooring, Photography: Greg Premru)

By the Bay

Coastal comfort meets dynamic outdoor living in this newly built family home, where stunning views of Duxbury Bay abound. The spacious patio boasts all the best of outdoor living by the sea. It features a pool house, outdoor kitchen, covered porch, cozy firepit seating, and ample chaise lounge seating for relaxing by the pool. 

The outdoor retreat is the ultimate entertainment space, ideal for both large and intimate gatherings. Conveniently located adjacent to the main house kitchen, an outdoor dining area with teak furnishings is accessible through vast sliding doors. The set-up offers seamless indoor/outdoor living and improved circulation for large gatherings of family and friends.

(Architecture: Saltonstall Architects, Landscape Design: Mary LeBlanc Landscape Design, Photography: Neil Alexander, Builder: David Zorn, Shoreline Remodeling, Interior Design: Allison Moran, Live Well Interiors & Design)

Woods Hole Haven

The owners of this 11,000-square-foot Woods Hole retreat had a simple request:  to create a home that subtly reflects its harbor setting without overtly reading as a “beach house.” The result is a series of elegant gathering spaces designed to frame the harbor views from every angle.

A prominent stone fireplace serves as the centerpiece of the al fresco lounge, blending neatly with the surrounding green rolling lawn to accommodate both intimate and large gatherings. The stonework grounds the landscape with clean lines softened by lush flowers and grasses. The home’s generous water views, distinctive character, and prime harbor location make it a captivating place to enjoy the outdoors.

(Builder: Sea-Dar Construction, Architecture: Hutker Architects, Interior Design: Vivian Hedges Interiors, Photography: Brian Vanden Brink)