Patio Design & Hardscape in Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is about as historic as it gets — gas lamps, brick sidewalks, Federal-era rowhouses, and some of the most beautiful hidden gardens in the city tucked behind them. Building here is exacting, careful work, and it's exactly the kind we've done for 37 years. Most of the magic is out back: a small brick garden you'd never guess at from Charles Street.

Two things define every Beacon Hill job: history and access. The neighborhood sits in one of the strictest historic districts in the country, and its narrow one-way streets and no-driveway lots mean careful planning. We handle both so you don't have to.

Where we work on Beacon Hill

Throughout the neighborhood — the rowhouses along Charles Street, Mount Vernon, Chestnut, and Pinckney Streets, the blocks around Louisburg Square and Acorn Street, and down through the Flat of the Hill.

Building in the Beacon Hill Historic District

Beacon Hill is protected by the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission, which reviews visible exterior work closely — materials, brick patterns, and finishes all matter. We've navigated that process before: we'll tell you whether your project needs review, prepare what's required, and design something that fits the neighborhood's character from the first sketch. A private garden hidden behind the house often has more freedom than anything visible from the street.

What we build on Beacon Hill

• Brick and bluestone garden patios behind historic rowhouses
• Private courtyards, paths, and granite steps in period style
• Privacy plantings and built-in seating for small city gardens
• Low-voltage lighting that makes the space work after dark

On a recent job just off Charles Street, we hand-carried every brick and bag of base down a narrow passage and turned a cramped, shaded back courtyard into a quiet brick garden — a true retreat in the middle of the city.

From a customer

“Allan and his crew are fantastic. Each project was done with thoughtful care, great expertise, and attention to detail. We couldn’t recommend him more highly.” — Alyssa S.

Common questions

Do I need Beacon Hill Architectural Commission approval for a patio?

Very likely, for anything visible. Beacon Hill is one of the strictest historic districts in the country, and the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission reviews visible exterior changes closely. A private garden hidden behind your rowhouse may not need review - we'll tell you which applies to your project and prepare the submission if it does.

Can you build on Beacon Hill with no driveway and tight access?

Yes - that's a normal Beacon Hill job for us. Narrow one-way streets, brick sidewalks, no parking, and no driveway mean materials often come in by hand through the house or a slim side passage. We plan the logistics carefully and protect your home and the block.

What materials are right for a Beacon Hill garden?

Brick and natural bluestone, almost always. They match the Federal-era architecture and the neighborhood's historic brick streetscape, and they hold up to our winters on a proper base. Reproduction or reclaimed brick in a traditional pattern keeps everything in character.