MODERN FAMILY GETAWAY
Soundfront, Long Island, NY
Some landscapes evolve into something truly extraordinary through years of thoughtful stewardship. Modern Family Getaway is one such project—a decade-long collaboration that has transformed an 8+ acre bluff-top property overlooking Long Island Sound from an overgrown, invasive-filled landscape into a vibrant, ecologically rich retreat. We’ve expanded gardens, uncovered remnants of the site’s agrarian past—including a serpentine pebble mound that now serves as the gateway to a woodland garden—and cultivated a deep connection between the homeowners and their land. A large vegetable and berry production garden, along with an orchard, provides year-round sustenance, inspiring a lifestyle centered around growing, preserving, and cooking from the land. A sweeping meadow acts as a natural buffer between the two residences and the waterfront, while a diverse palette of mostly native plantings ensures thriving habitats for local wildlife. This ever-evolving retreat is a testament to the power of time, care, and thoughtful design.
ARCHITECT: Leslie Gill
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: Cutting Edge Landscaping & Masonry, Roots
PHOTOGRAPHY: Anthony Crisafulli