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Rare Landscapes

Landscape Design in Tonka Bay, MN

Rare Landscapes creates exceptional outdoor environments and luxury living spaces for homeowners in Tonka Bay, MN. We integrate pools, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, structures, plantings, and lighting into a unified design that complements your home's architecture and enhances your experience of your property.

Founder Will Archuleta personally guides homeowners through every phase of design and construction, while our 3D landscape planning technology reveals the exact layout, proportions, materials, and key outdoor elements before ground is broken. Tonka Bay's premier waterfront estates and direct Lake Minnetonka access provide extraordinary potential for outdoor living that embraces the waterfront lifestyle. As Lake Minnetonka area experts, Rare Landscapes knows how to elevate Tonka Bay properties, from distinguished Lafayette Club residences to reimagined lakeside homes transformed into contemporary showpieces.

Trust: 4.3 Google Rating · 24 reviews
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Why Choose Us

Why Tonka Bay Homeowners Choose Rare Landscapes

Waterfront properties and luxury estates throughout Tonka Bay demand thoughtful design that maximizes lake views while creating functional outdoor living spaces. Rare Landscapes develops comprehensive plans that integrate all outdoor elements into a single, purposeful environment designed for the lake lifestyle.

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 Tonka Bay

Rare Landscapes designs outdoor spaces for Tonka Bay homeowners who expect every area of their property to complement their waterfront setting and 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 Tonka Bay

Properties throughout Tonka Bay's diverse neighborhoods – from Lafayette Club area estates to Echo Bay waterfront homes – benefit from designs that frame water views, manage lakefront slopes, and create seamless indoor-outdoor entertainment spaces.

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 choose Rare Landscapes for thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that reflect their lifestyle, enhance their property, and deliver lasting value. With a 4.3-star rating from 24 Google reviews — read our 5-star testimonials below, or view the complete collection on Google.

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Planning a Larger Landscape Project in Tonka Bay?

Whether you're working with a premier waterfront estate or transforming a lakeside property, your outdoor space deserves a unified vision. Rare Landscapes can coordinate pools, patios, pavilions, kitchens, walkways, lighting, and landscaping into a single comprehensive design that celebrates your Lake Minnetonka setting.

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Who we design for

Landscape Design for Tonka Bay Homes & Properties

01

Waterfront Property Owners

With 43% of Tonka Bay homes valued over $1 million and many featuring direct lake access, waterfront properties require sophisticated design that maximizes views while creating functional outdoor entertainment spaces. Rare Landscapes creates designs that extend your living space to the water's edge while addressing practical needs for privacy and lake-friendly materials.

02

Lafayette Club Area Residents

From the prestigious Lafayette Club neighborhood to nearby Echo Bay estates, these high-value homes demand outdoor spaces that match their exclusive surroundings. Our designs enhance your property while maintaining the refined aesthetic of these distinguished waterfront areas.

03

Marina & Boating Enthusiasts

Properties near Tonka Bay Marina and the city's 21 fire lane access points benefit from designs that support the boating lifestyle. We create outdoor spaces that transition seamlessly from boat dock to entertainment areas, perfect for gatherings after a day on the water.

04

Homeowners Renovating Lake Properties

With many original cottages being transformed into modern luxury homes, Tonka Bay properties offer opportunities for complete outdoor reinvention. A master plan ensures that pools, patios, and outdoor living spaces integrate perfectly with the architecture of your renovated or new home.

Local design

What We Consider When Designing Landscapes in Tonka Bay

01

Waterfront Grades & Lake Access

Tonka Bay's lakefront properties, from gentle slopes to dramatic bluffs, require strategic design to create usable outdoor spaces while preserving lake access. Proper placement of retaining walls, terraced patios, and walkways maximizes both views and functionality on challenging waterfront lots.

02

Lake-Friendly Materials & Shoreline Protection

With direct Lake Minnetonka frontage, Tonka Bay properties require materials and designs that protect water quality while withstanding waterfront conditions. Permeable pavers, proper drainage systems, and shoreline stabilization become essential elements in protecting both your investment and the lake.

03

Compact Lots & Privacy Solutions

While many Tonka Bay properties are prestigious, they sit on lots under one acre, requiring creative design to maximize outdoor living space. Strategic placement of structures, vertical gardens, and screening elements creates privacy and intimacy without sacrificing the open lake views residents value.

04

Year-Round Lake Living Design

Tonka Bay homeowners embrace the lake lifestyle throughout all seasons. Heated patios, covered pavilions with outdoor fireplaces, strategic lighting, and protected entertainment areas extend the usability of pools, kitchens, and gathering spaces well beyond summer months.

About Tonka Bay

Living in Tonka Bay, Minnesota

Tonka Bay is an exclusive lakefront community spanning just under one square mile and home to approximately 1,270 residents. The city maintains its intimate, resort-like character despite being only 20 miles from downtown Minneapolis, offering waterfront properties with direct access to Lake Minnetonka and a lifestyle centered on the water.

The city provides exceptional lake access through Tonka Bay Marina – the largest full-service marina on Lake Minnetonka – plus 21 fire lanes serving as public access points, Wekota Beach, and Old Orchard Park with municipal docks. Manitou Park, Crescent Beach shared with Shorewood, and the nearby Lafayette Club create a community where outdoor recreation and lake activities define daily life while maintaining the exclusivity Tonka Bay residents cherish.

Tonka Bay, Minnesota
Where we work

Serving Tonka Bay & the Lake Minnetonka Area

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

MoundMinnetristaOronoWayzataExcelsiorMedinaLong LakeMinnetonka BeachTonka BayShorewoodDeephavenGreenwoodMinnetonkaPlymouthChanhassen
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3D Landscape Design

Plan Your Tonka Bay Property in 3D

Before investing in your waterfront 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 Tonka Bay homeowners visualize their complete outdoor environment, ensuring every element works in harmony with your lake views and home's architecture.

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

Landscape Design in Tonka Bay, MN FAQs

Lakefront design requires attention to grades, drainage, shoreline protection, and material selection. We ensure all designs comply with watershed district requirements while maximizing your property's lake access and views. Proper planning prevents erosion and protects both your investment and water quality.
Absolutely. We integrate existing marine infrastructure into the overall design, creating seamless transitions from dock to patio to pool areas. Many Tonka Bay properties benefit from lakeside entertainment zones that complement their boating lifestyle.
Through multi-level design, vertical elements, and smart space planning. Terraced patios, rooftop decks on structures, and strategic placement of features can make compact lots feel spacious while preserving precious lake views.
Given median home values exceeding $917,000, most homeowners invest $150,000-$500,000 in comprehensive outdoor transformations. Waterfront properties often see higher investments due to specialized materials and grading requirements.
Yes. We understand the elevated standards and architectural guidelines of Tonka Bay's most prestigious areas. Our designs respect neighborhood aesthetics while creating distinctive outdoor spaces that enhance property value.
Get in touch

Start Your Landscape Design Project in Tonka Bay

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

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

Start Planning in Tonka Bay

Replies personally within 1 business day