Overlooking the ocean from Long Island’s Southampton, Sag Harbor Bay is a thoughtfully reimagined waterfront landscape that balances contemporary living with the natural beauty of the East End. The design by landscape architecture firm LaGuardia Design Group integrates native plantings, carefully crafted outdoor spaces, and resilient shoreline strategies to strengthen the connection between the home and the bay while enhancing ecological performance.
Given the sensitivity of this heavily wooded, sloping waterfront site, the planning required extra thought and analysis. The buildings, walkways, terraces, and pool were all planned to fit into the existing topography, preserving the surrounding Oak and Cedar Forest.
All of the stone is a single variety of granite, hand-selected from a local New York quarry and digitally surveyed and modeled to inform precise placement – creating a cohesive, carved, and sculptural landscape. An almost entirely native plant palette weaves between the structures and quietly blends the landscape into the surrounding woodland.
The restoration of the bluff was another critical aspect of the project, requiring careful planning and execution. Efforts to reestablish and restore the bluff included reinforcing the base with reclaimed stone from the site and stabilizing the bluff surface with a network of coir logs interplanted with native beach grass.
These efforts not only enhance the site’s aesthetic value but also improve its ecological health, creating a sustainable and resilient landscape that will thrive for years to come.
Photography – Eric Petschek
Architect – BMA Architects
Interior Design – The Unionworks
General Contractor – Seascape Partners
Landscape Contractor- Whitmores Inc
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