The Cost of Luxury Landscape Design in the Hamptons (What to Expect)

On a quiet summer evening in Bridgehampton, a couple steps onto their bluestone terrace, wine glasses in hand. The firepit is glowing. Ornamental grasses sway along the edge of the pool. A custom cedar pergola frames the view out to the bay. It’s a moment that feels effortless—but behind it is careful planning, expert craftsmanship, and a meaningful investment.

This is the essence of luxury landscape design in the Hamptons.

And if you're exploring what it really costs to create a setting like this, you’re not alone. Whether you're renovating a Southampton estate or building new in East Hampton, budgeting for outdoor design isn't just about choosing plants and paving stones. It’s about understanding the layers of detail, the quality of materials, and the expertise required to meet the standards of high-end outdoor living in our unique region.

Let’s break down what goes into the cost of luxury landscape design in the Hamptons, why it can vary so widely, and what you should expect—both financially and creatively—when investing in your property.

Why the Hamptons Demand a Higher Standard

There’s no shortage of beautiful places in New York, but the East End has its own expectations—and conditions.

Between the ocean air, sandy soils, and seasonal extremes, designing and building outdoor environments in the Hamptons takes more than aesthetic talent. Salt tolerance, drainage planning, and wind protection aren’t just nice to have—they're essential. Add in the need for year-round property care, permitting in coastal zones, and the elevated style demanded by the area’s architecture and real estate values, and the level of planning quickly deepens.

Experienced firms in this region understand how to create outdoor spaces that look as good in late August as they do in April. And they know how to keep a garden healthy despite deer pressure, poor soil, or coastal microclimates.

That’s why hiring a team with deep roots in the Hamptons can pay off long after the build is finished. At Oceanview Landscapes, we’ve spent years working with clients in towns from Sagaponack to Montauk, fine-tuning both design and maintenance programs to meet the challenges of our local environment.

The Main Factors That Affect Cost

Luxury landscape design is highly customized. Your overall investment will depend on the scale of your property, your lifestyle goals, and the complexity of the features you want to include. That said, here are some key factors that influence cost:

1. Design Scope and Planning

A detailed master plan is the foundation of any successful outdoor project. This phase typically involves site analysis, architectural coordination, zoning checks, and conceptual designs. For high-end properties, design fees usually start around $10,000 to $25,000+, especially if you're engaging an experienced design-build firm or a licensed landscape architect.

Plans may include hardscape layouts, planting designs, lighting plans, irrigation zoning, grading and drainage schematics, and 3D renderings. The more detailed the plan, the smoother your construction phase will be.

2. Hardscaping and Site Construction

This is often the most expensive part of any outdoor build, and in the Hamptons, quality is non-negotiable. Natural stone patios, retaining walls, custom masonry, and driveways are commonly built with premium materials like bluestone, granite, or locally-sourced fieldstone. Expect to pay:

• $100–$200+ per square foot for stone patios and walkways
• $75–$150 per square foot for gravel or asphalt driveways
• $40,000–$100,000+ for a custom pool terrace or outdoor kitchen setup
• $25,000–$60,000+ for site work and drainage, depending on grade, soil, and access

Permitting can add both cost and time, especially near wetlands or the shoreline. Coastal erosion and stormwater management plans may also be required for larger projects.

3. Plant Material and Garden Installation

Planting costs range widely based on species, size, and density. In luxury properties, it’s common to use mature specimens for instant impact. Flowering trees, hedging, perennial beds, and specialty gardens (like cutting gardens or pollinator meadows) may be included in a single plan. You might see:

• $30,000–$150,000+ for estate-scale planting installations
• $200–$500 per tree for young ornamental trees; $1,500–$10,000+ for mature or specimen trees
• $15–$50 per square foot for densely planted garden beds

Deer-resistant selections, native species, and soil amendments tailored to our sandy or acidic conditions are common considerations in this region.

4. Lighting and Irrigation

A well-lit property is both beautiful and secure. And with our hot, dry summers, smart irrigation systems are a must. These two systems often go hand-in-hand in high-end properties.

• $10,000–$50,000+ for landscape lighting (path, accent, uplighting)
• $5,000–$25,000+ for custom irrigation setups, especially on larger lots or multi-zone gardens

New technology allows for remote monitoring and seasonal adjustments, a helpful tool when clients are away for part of the year.

5. Custom Features

This is where budgets can scale quickly—luxury landscapes often include features like:

• Pools and spas – $100,000 to $500,000+ depending on design and materials
• Pergolas, pavilions, or pool houses – $50,000 to $200,000+
• Outdoor kitchens or bars – $25,000 to $150,000
• Fire features – $10,000 to $30,000+ for built-in designs
• Water features or sculptures – Highly variable, often $15,000+

Each element requires coordination between trades, custom fabrication, and sometimes architectural drawings or engineering review.

Understanding Budget Ranges: A Local Snapshot

So, what should you really expect to spend?

Here’s a general breakdown of full-property design-build packages on the East End:

• Smaller properties (1/4–1/2 acre): $150,000–$300,000
• Mid-size estates (1/2–1 acre): $300,000–$600,000
• Larger properties (1–3 acres): $600,000–$1M+

These figures include both softscape (planting, grading, lawns) and hardscape (masonry, structures), but not ongoing maintenance.

It’s also common to phase projects over several years to align with budget or construction schedules. Some homeowners begin with site work and patios, then add gardens, lighting, or structures later.

Seasonal and Local Considerations

Timing matters when working on the East End. Weather can delay certain installations—especially when spring rains back up scheduling or winter freezes restrict hardscape work. The optimal build season here runs from April through November, but design work often begins in the off-season. That allows materials to be ordered in advance, permits to be secured, and spring builds to kick off smoothly.

Also worth noting: many clients are not full-time residents, so your team should be comfortable coordinating with architects, interior designers, or property managers. It’s not just about showing up—it’s about delivering seamless communication across time zones and schedules.

Long-Term Ownership Costs

Once your property is complete, you'll want to protect that investment. Annual garden care, seasonal plantings, irrigation management, pruning, fertilization, and winterization all require ongoing attention.

Expect:

• $10,000–$30,000+ per year for professional maintenance
• $2,000–$5,000+ per season for seasonal container displays or flower rotations
• Winter prep and storm cleanup costs depending on conditions

Many high-end homeowners in the Hamptons prefer full-service care programs to ensure the property looks as good in year five as it did in year one.

Planning for Value

Luxury outdoor design in the Hamptons is more than just a cost—it’s a value-add to your daily life, your property enjoyment, and your long-term real estate asset. Done right, these spaces become extensions of your home—elegant, functional, and enduring.

Whether you're looking to create a serene retreat in Amagansett or a bold entertaining space in Water Mill, investing in the right design and build team will shape not only how your space looks, but how it lives.