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Rare Landscapes

Landscape Design in Long Lake, MN

Rare Landscapes designs luxury landscapes and outdoor living spaces for homeowners in Long Lake, MN. We bring pools, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, structures, planting, and lighting into one cohesive plan built around the home and the way the property is used.

Founder Will Archuleta works directly with homeowners throughout the design-and-build process, and 3D landscape planning helps establish the layout, scale, materials, and major outdoor features before construction begins. Long Lake's unique blend of waterfront properties, established neighborhoods, and proximity to both Nelson Lakeside Park's public beach and the scenic Luce Line State Trail offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor living that celebrate Minnesota's lake lifestyle. As Lake Minnetonka area specialists, Rare Landscapes understands how to maximize the value of Long Lake properties, from historic downtown homes to modern lakeside estates.

Trust: 4.3 Google Rating · 24 reviews
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Why Choose Us

Why Long Lake Homeowners Choose Rare Landscapes

Waterfront properties and established neighborhoods throughout Long Lake demand thoughtful design that respects the natural shoreline while enhancing outdoor functionality. Rare Landscapes develops comprehensive plans that integrate all outdoor elements into a single, purposeful environment.

01

Founder-led

Will Archuleta stays personally involved throughout planning and construction.

02

3D landscape design

Review layout, scale, materials, and major outdoor features before building.

03

Whole-property planning

Pools, patios, structures, lighting, planting, and circulation are coordinated together.

04

Design-first approach

Major decisions are worked through before construction starts.

05

High-end residential focus

Each project is shaped around the home, site conditions, and homeowner priorities.

What we do

Landscape Design & Outdoor Living Services in Long Lake

Rare Landscapes designs outdoor spaces for Long Lake homeowners who expect every area of their property to work together seamlessly.

01

3D Landscape Design

Custom outdoor living plans that help you see the space, layout, and details before the project begins.
02

Landscape Design

Custom landscape design that blends hardscape, planting, and premium materials into one cohesive outdoor living plan.
03

Custom Swimming Pools

Custom pool layouts, poolside patios, landscaping, lighting, and full backyard pool environments.
04

Patio Design & Installation

Paver patios, natural stone patios, poolside patios, and outdoor entertaining areas.
05

Decks

Maintenance-free decks, cedar decks, and premium wood options such as Ipe.
06

Pergolas & Pavilions

Outdoor structures that add shade, comfort, architecture, and year-round usability.
07

Retaining Walls

Block, boulder, and outcropping walls designed to shape the property and support the space.
08

Outdoor Kitchens & Bars

Custom outdoor cooking, dining, and entertaining areas.
09

Outdoor Living Design

Complete outdoor living plans that connect patios, kitchens, fire features, lighting, and more.
10

Fireplaces & Fire Pits

Fire features that create warmth, gathering space, and a natural focal point.
11

Driveways

Paver and concrete driveway solutions designed to complement the home and landscape.
12

Landscape Lighting

Outdoor LED and landscape lighting that brings the space to life after sunset.
13

Saunas

Custom sauna integrations for homeowners who want a private wellness-focused outdoor retreat.
14

Screened-in Porches

Three-season and four-season porches, including motorized screen solutions.
Our work

Outdoor Living Projects in & Around Long Lake

Properties throughout Long Lake's diverse neighborhoods – from downtown historic homes to waterfront estates – benefit from designs that consider lake views, natural preservation, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

Reviews

What Homeowners Say About Rare Landscapes

Homeowners trust Rare Landscapes for design-led outdoor living projects that feel personal, refined, and built around the property. Rated 4.3 stars across 24 Google reviews — browse every 5-star review below, or open the full list on Google.

★★★★★
Google

We recently worked with Will at Rare Landscapes to redesign and replace our old paver patio, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. Will created a beautiful patio design while also reusing our existing pavers, which helped us maintain our budget without sacrificing quality or appearance. What stood out most was how involved and communicative Will was throughout the entire project. Highly recommend Will and Rare Landscapes if you’re looking for creative design, professionalism, and great value.

Todd WhiteGoogle Review
★★★★★
Google

We had a dead lawn after we bought the place in winter. Bill came in with his crew, removed the lawn, took out the tree blocking the front of our wonderful home and installed class 5 to store our truck and boat. Fantastic work. On time, responsive, great quality work, great price, nice and professional crew.

Joey ReillyGoogle Review
★★★★★
Google

We had a great experience working with Bill and his team. Very professional work and the results were outstanding. Added a top level rock wall, modified existing steps to make safer and added more interesting curve and additional level, and replaced old stone walk way with nicely color contrasting pavers.

william gabbyGoogle Review
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Reviews

What Homeowners Say About Rare Landscapes

Homeowners partner with Rare Landscapes for custom outdoor designs that balance beauty and function while seamlessly integrating with their home and landscape. Earning 4.3 stars over 24 Google reviews — discover what our 5-star clients say below, or check out our full review profile on Google.

Get started

Planning a Larger Landscape Project in Long Lake?

Whether you're working with a lakefront property or an established neighborhood lot, your outdoor space deserves a unified vision. Rare Landscapes can coordinate pools, patios, pavilions, kitchens, walkways, lighting, and landscaping into a single comprehensive design.

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Who we design for

Landscape Design for Long Lake Homes & Properties

01

Waterfront Property Owners

With direct access to Long Lake's pristine waters, lakefront homes require sophisticated design that maximizes water views while creating functional outdoor living spaces. Rare Landscapes creates designs that celebrate lake living while addressing practical needs for privacy, erosion control, and year-round enjoyment.

02

Downtown Long Lake Residents

From historic homes near Nelson Lakeside Park to properties along the commercial corridor, these established neighborhoods demand outdoor spaces that respect architectural heritage while adding modern amenities. Our designs enhance your property while maintaining the character of Long Lake's charming downtown area.

03

Trail-Adjacent Properties

Properties near the Luce Line State Trail and local trail systems benefit from designs that create private outdoor retreats while maintaining the natural connection to Long Lake's recreational amenities. Strategic placement of structures and screening elements ensures privacy without sacrificing the open, welcoming feel.

04

Homeowners Updating Existing Landscapes

With 75% homeownership and many properties dating back decades, Long Lake homes often need comprehensive outdoor updates. A master plan ensures new pools, patios, and outdoor living spaces integrate perfectly with mature trees and established neighborhood aesthetics.

Local design

What We Consider When Designing Landscapes in Long Lake

01

Lake Views & Waterfront Management

Long Lake's waterfront properties require strategic design to frame water views, manage shoreline erosion, and create seamless transitions from home to lake. Proper placement of patios, fire features, and outdoor kitchens maximizes both views and functionality while respecting DNR shoreline regulations.

02

Compact Lots & Strategic Space Planning

With Long Lake covering just 1.0 square mile and a population density of 2,030 per square mile, many properties require creative design solutions to maximize outdoor living within compact spaces. Thoughtful vertical elements, multi-level patios, and efficient layouts create the feeling of spacious outdoor rooms.

03

Mature Trees & Natural Features

The established neighborhoods throughout Long Lake feature mature tree canopy and natural elements worth preserving. Professional design works around existing trees, manages shade patterns, and integrates new features without disrupting the neighborhood's tree-lined character.

04

Year-Round Lake Living Design

Long Lake homeowners value outdoor spaces that extend beyond summer boating season. Covered structures, outdoor fireplaces, heated patios, and strategic lighting extend the usability of pools, kitchens, and entertainment areas throughout Minnesota's four distinct seasons.

About Long Lake

Living in Long Lake, Minnesota

Long Lake is a charming lakeside community in western Hennepin County, home to approximately 1,845 residents. The city offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and lake lifestyle, with 75% homeownership and a strong sense of community centered around its namesake lake and historic downtown.

The city provides exceptional outdoor recreation at Nelson Lakeside Park, featuring a public beach, boat launch, fishing pier, nine-hole disc golf course, and playground areas. The Luce Line State Trail runs through town, connecting residents to 63 miles of recreational trail, while four neighborhood parks – Holbrook, Hardin, Dexter, and Nelson – offer diverse amenities from basketball courts to off-leash dog areas, creating abundant opportunities for outdoor enjoyment throughout this tight-knit lake community.

Long Lake, Minnesota
Where we work

Serving Long Lake & the Lake Minnetonka Area

Rare Landscapes serves Long Lake and surrounding communities including Mound, Minnetrista, Orono, Wayzata, Excelsior, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Tonka Bay, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Chanhassen.

MoundMinnetristaOronoWayzataExcelsiorMedinaLong LakeMinnetonka BeachTonka BayShorewoodDeephavenGreenwoodMinnetonkaPlymouthChanhassen
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3D Landscape Design

Plan Your Long Lake Property in 3D

Before investing in your outdoor living transformation, see exactly how your pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, and landscape elements will look and function together. Rare Landscapes uses 3D design technology to help Long Lake homeowners visualize their complete outdoor environment, ensuring every element works in harmony with your property's unique features and lake views.

3D landscape design rendering by Rare Landscapes
Explore Our 3D Design Process
Questions

Landscape Design in Long Lake, MN FAQs

Lakefront designs must comply with DNR shoreline regulations, manage water runoff effectively, and preserve natural vegetation buffers. We coordinate proper setbacks, erosion control, and permitting while maximizing your enjoyment of water views and lake access.
Long Lake's compact downtown lots benefit from vertical design elements, multi-level patios, and strategic placement of features. We maximize every square foot through smart space planning that creates distinct outdoor rooms without feeling cramped.
Spring and early summer are ideal for starting projects, allowing completion before peak lake season. However, we can begin design and planning any time, with construction scheduled to minimize disruption to your summer lake activities.
Yes. We handle all necessary permits through Long Lake's building department, including any special requirements for properties near the lake or within setback zones. Our experience with local regulations ensures smooth project approval.
We establish protection zones around existing trees, carefully plan equipment routes, and use specialized techniques to preserve root systems. Our designs work with your property's natural features rather than against them.
Get in touch

Start Your Landscape Design Project in Long Lake

Contact Rare Landscapes to transform your Long Lake property with comprehensive outdoor living design. Work directly with Will Archuleta from initial concept through construction to create outdoor spaces that enhance your lifestyle and property value.

Location: Mound, Minnesota
Schedule ConsultationCall 952-258-3553

Start Planning in Long Lake

Replies personally within 1 business day