Artisan Wall in Big Sur

Our highly skilled stonemasons bring a rare level of artistry and technical expertise to every project. At Carmel Point Landscapes, we recently completed a landscape project in Big Sur, where our client envisioned a design that combined the timeless elegance of ancient ruins with modern sophistication.

Granite boulders, hand-selected from a local quarry, were the perfect material to bring this vision to life. Their bold color and unique texture create a sense of permanence, evoking the timelessness of ancient sites like Machu Picchu.

Working with granite requires careful planning and understanding of the material’s response to weight, pressure, and the forces of nature. For retention walls, this expertise is essential to ensure the stones are stacked to withstand the earth’s weight. Each stone is hand-chipped for a precise fit, ensuring both stability and visual appeal. The result is a wall that integrates seamlessly into the landscape, both structurally and aesthetically.

We used granite to craft dry-stack walls, pathways, stairs, and terraces that blend with the natural surroundings. These features add elegance and structure while enhancing privacy, especially the dry-stack walls, which provide seclusion without sacrificing the expansive feel of the property.

Dry-stack walls, in particular, are a key element of this project. Without mortar, each stone is carefully stacked to ensure stability, and the slight tilt of each stone adds to the weathered, timeless appearance. The walls evoke the feeling of ancient ruins, adding character and depth to the landscape.

The remote location of the Big Sur estate presented logistical challenges, with steep and narrow roads. Hauling tons of granite boulders via a 6 a.m. convoy after a landslide required careful coordination. Despite these obstacles, we remained committed to safety, quality, and efficiency.

At Carmel Point Landscapes, we don’t just build structures—we create custom works of art. Every stone, pathway, and wall is placed thoughtfully to enhance both the beauty and functionality of the landscape, crafting a space that feels timeless, enduring, and in harmony with nature.