Custom Water Feature Design & Construction in Charlestown, RI
Where the woods meet the waves: Natural designs for South County.
Charlestown is arguably the most "natural" town on the coast. With the protected lands of Burlingame, the dark skies of Ninigret, and the pristine beaches of Quonochontaug, homeowners here don't want "manicured country club" landscaping. They want rugged, natural beauty.
At Natural Elements by Design, we specialize in the "coastal rustic" aesthetic. We understand the challenges of building in Charlestown—from sandy, fast-draining soil to the strict buffer zones required by the CRMC. We design water features that look like they’ve always been part of the dunes and pine forests.
Water Feature Options
Pondless Waterfalls
For homes exposed to the coastal wind near East Beach or Charlestown Beach, a standard fountain often sprays water everywhere. A Pondless Waterfall is the superior choice.
The Coastal Advantage:
Wind Resistant: Because the water cascades over low-profile stone and disappears into gravel, you don’t lose water to the heavy sea breeze.
The "Driftwood" Look: In Charlestown, we often trade jagged mountain granite for rounded river stones and weathered driftwood accents. This mimics the look of a stream flowing into a salt pond.
Summer-Ready: Many Charlestown homes are seasonal. Our pondless systems can be turned off with a switch when you close the house for the season—no winterization headaches.
Koi Ponds & Ecosystem Ponds
Charlestown residents care deeply about the environment. If you live near Watchaug Pond or School House Pond, you don't want a chemical-laden water feature.
Eco-Friendly Design:
CRMC Friendly: We specialize in building "buffer zone" friendly features. Because our ponds are biological ecosystems (not chlorinated structures), they are often welcomed in sensitive environmental zones.
Attracting Wildlife: A fresh water source near the salt water is a magnet for local wildlife. Expect to see dragonflies, frogs, and songbirds flocking to your backyard sanctuary.
Filtration for Pine Needles: Charlestown is full of Scrub Pines. We install advanced skimmer systems specifically designed to handle heavy pine needle drop, keeping your water clear without constant skimming.
Natural Swim Ponds (Recreational Ponds)
A bright blue vinyl pool looks out of place amongst the dunes and cedars of Quonnie. A Natural Swim Pond offers the perfect aesthetic match.
Why Swim Ponds fit Charlestown:
The "Hidden" Swimming Hole: We can design a swim pond that looks exactly like a natural kettle pond. It blends perfectly with the native scrub oak and blueberry bushes found in Arnolda.
Soft Water: After a day of swimming in the salty ocean, rinsing off in the fresh, chemical-free water of a swim pond is the ultimate luxury.
Permeable Construction: Unlike concrete pools which create runoff issues, our systems interact naturally with the ground, which is often a major plus for Charlestown zoning boards.
Fountains & Coastal Decor
For the smaller beach cottages in Shady Harbor or Ocean Ridge, we design compact features that bring the zen of water to your deck or patio.
Bubbling Driftwood: We can plumb natural-looking stone or driftwood to bubble water—perfect for the beach house vibe.
Basalt Columns: These vertical stones mimic the jetty rocks found at the Breachway, bringing a piece of the coast into your garden.
Sound Masking: A bubbling urn is the perfect way to drown out the sound of Route 1 traffic if you are inland.