Still Meadow Farm

Project Details

LANDSCAPE Architect

Knickerbocker Group

PLANTING DESIGN

GBR Landscape Design

pRESERVATION + BUILD

Thomas & Lord

Photography

Shawn O’Connor

A Maine getaway preserved and elevated

For nearly 90 years, The Dunes on the Waterfront has welcomed families to its charming collection of whitewashed cottages along the Ogunquit River. When the property was acquired by a new visionary in 2023, the goal was clear: preserve its historic character while enhancing the guest experience. Knickerbocker Group, collaborating with Gavin Boyce-Ratliff of GBR Landscape Design, led the landscape architecture to create a site that celebrates Maine’s coast, encourages exploration, and frames each cottage within its natural surroundings.

Walking the property

Meandering paths lined with seashells guide visitors through grassy expanses, vibrant coastal gardens, and clusters of oaks and pines. The landscape encourages discovery—whether strolling to the tidal river, exploring the docks, or finding a quiet garden nook. Each step reveals framed views of the water, the dunes, and the cottages themselves, balancing openness with intimacy and guiding guests through the property’s story.

Design guided by place

The landscape design draws inspiration directly from the Maine coast. Native and salt-tolerant plantings were selected to thrive in sandy soils and withstand the ocean breeze and inclement weather, providing year-round texture, seasonal color, and ecological value. Dune-like mounds, layered gardens, and open lawns mirror the site’s natural contours, linking the cottages to the waterfront while reinforcing the property’s historic charm.

A layered experience

Beyond circulation, the landscape creates spaces for living and lingering. Fire pits, play lawns, and seating areas offer opportunities for connection and relaxation. Guests encounter moments both planned and serendipitous—quiet corners for reading, shared lawns for family games, and expansive views that invite pause. Each space was designed to be intuitive, guiding visitors seamlessly through the property while connecting them to Maine’s natural beauty.

Collaboration in action

Working alongside builder Thomas & Lord and Stoney Brook Landscaping & Masonry, our team ensured that every element reinforced the cottages’ historic character while enhancing functionality and experience. Thoughtful placement of plantings, paths, and gathering spaces was coordinated with the architecture and overall site vision, exemplifying Knickerbocker Group’s integrated approach to landscape design.

A landscape for memories

Today, The Dunes offers a landscape that harmonizes history, design, and experience. Guests are welcomed into a setting that is both familiar and elevated—a place where families can connect with the Maine coast, explore freely, and create lasting memories. The landscape doesn’t just frame the cottages; it tells a story of place, preservation, and the joy of summer by the sea.