When you drive along the coast of New England, you can’t help but see rows of beautiful coastal homes. With their clean, crisp elegance, and some located in historical districts that tell the story of the area, they represent a certain lifestyle and the people who love it. Matt Teague, President of Reef Builders, says…
The front of your home is more than just paint, trim and steps. You can create a stunning New England look with aesthetic details around your property that bring beauty and value to your curb appeal. You may have noticed that neighborhoods across the northeast have certain features that are quintessential hallmarks of New England…
If you drive around New England, one thing you’ll notice is the use of granite and natural stone on structures from state buildings to countryside homes. “Look around. All the old houses and barns have slabs of granite stacked to make the foundation. It’s just something that’s been used since we were founded here,” says…
Narragansett, Rhode Island was first surging in popularity as a summer resort town in 1887 when a Queen Anne Victorian home was built at the corner of Narragansett Avenue and Robinson Street. With stained-glass windows, ornate bargeboards, and a charming assortment of shingle styles, it was a turn-of-the-century dream home. Flash forward 130+ years and…
Nestled in the historic area of Norfolk County, Massachusetts sits the Swenson Granite Works Medway store. All four men on the team have a love and appreciation for natural stone, and all things New England.Bill Haddad has risen from Assistant Manager to Store Manager, a role he had been in for 3 years. Haddad is…
Swenson Granite Works’ Westbrook, Maine Store Manager Jeremy Walbridge has been working with the company for 27 years — over half his life. He has had family members and friends work at the company, and credits the family oriented nature of the business to his tenure. “The first thing that comes to mind when I…
John Doherty may not have been there when the Swenson Granite Works Newtown store (located just outside Danbury, Connecticut) opened in 2000, but he and his team have basically been there ever since. Deep roots and long standing connections are what you will find at the store—and this scenic small town—as a whole. “We always…
The fall season — with its cooler air and summer-warmed soil — is the perfect time for planting a garden in New England. If you are busy in the planning stages, consider adding elements to increase it’s sustainability by making it a little more earth friendly. We’ve put together a few ideas for creating a…
As most New Englanders are spending more time right at home these days, those projects that seemed to loom off in the future are getting checked off the list this summer. Adding a new walkway, patio or front steps are among some of the top requested curb appeal projects. “Business has skyrocketed,” said Tom Kraus,…
Crisscrossing the landscape long before the Revolutionary War, stone walls are as classic to New England as church steeples and lighthouses, with a legacy that continues to this day. Hundreds of years after the nation gained its independence, walls crafted from native stone are still a traditional element in hardscape design not only in a…
Amber leaves, golden blooms, scarlet shrubs — nothing says ‘fall’ like an abundance of nature’s most brilliant colors. “Fall is a great time to plant and relax outside while working in the garden,” says Andy Grondalski, Nursery Manager at Sixteen Acres Garden Center in Springfield, MA. While it’s a common misconception that you can’t plant…
Whether you’re interested in increasing the value of your home or simply refreshing the look and feel of its exterior, granite and natural stone are the most versatile ways to add curb appeal. These materials are unrivaled in terms of aesthetics and durability, adding timeless style and dimension that will last a lifetime. All nine…
From brilliant blue hydrangeas to vivid geraniums, summer flowers are an excellent way to add vibrant pops of color and texture to any backyard. With thousands of unique varieties available, the options are nearly limitless when creating your ideal landscape with summer blooms. Whether lining the side of a granite pathway or sitting in a…
Updated on August 31, 2021Like a handshake with a new acquaintance, the curb appeal of your home gives a lasting first impression. It can tell people if your home is well cared for, provide a hint into its charm and style, and bring you a higher return on investment when it’s time to sell. South…
Attendees and exhibitors from across the Northeast will be attending the Boston Flower and Garden Show, one of the largest horticultural events in New England, from March 13-17, 2019 at Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center. The show will feature brilliant indoor garden displays and vibrant floral designs from dozens of the region’s leading nurseries, landscapers,…
Whether rustic or contemporary, minimal or intricate, all beautiful landscape designs have one thing in common: a well-balanced combination of hardscape and softscape. Hardscape consists of the solid, heavy, unchanging parts of a landscape, such as stone paths, retaining walls, gravel and patios, while softscape describes the living, botanical elements of a landscape, including plants,…
Thanks to the rich colonial history of the New England area, it’s no surprise that the folks who live, work and play here have a love for a true colonial style home that runs deep. Though all homes built in the colonial style share certain common elements, it’s the thoughtful use of other, time-honored materials…
