Who we are
At Blacktail Garden Suites, we believe a home is more than four walls. It's where families grow, support one another, and stay connected across generations.
Our story began with a simple idea: creating a home for family, close to family. What started as a personal project grew into a passion for helping others discover the possibilities of backyard living.
Today, we focus on creating custom garden suites that bring people together while preserving independence and privacy. Every home is thoughtfully designed around the property, the people who will live there, and the way their needs may change over time.
Inspired by the Blacktail deer of our West Coast landscape, we value resilience, adaptability, craftsmanship, and respect for the communities where we build.
For us, it's about more than building a garden suite. It's about creating a place where life can unfold for generations to come.
Meet the Owners
Blacktail Garden Suites is built on the complementary strengths of a husband-and-wife team.
Buchanan — Construction & Project Management
Buchanan brings a diverse construction background, including managing large-scale road construction projects, residential renovations, and operating his own landscaping and hardscaping company. With formal excavation training and hands-on experience in site preparation, he understands the importance of getting every project off to a strong start.
Beyond site management, Buchanan is a skilled carpenter with a passion for fine woodworking and custom craftsmanship. From structural construction to detailed finish carpentry and cabinetry, he enjoys being personally involved in the building process. His work includes designing and building the custom kitchen cabinetry for the Elm Garden House.
Having also managed the construction of a garden suite for his own family, Buchanan understands both the practical challenges and personal significance of creating a backyard home.
He values strong relationships, clear communication, and taking pride in work that's thoughtfully designed and built to last.
Lesley — Operations & Client Experience
Lesley brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in communication and client care. She helps keep projects organized, documentation clear, and clients informed throughout the building journey.
Together, they combine practical construction experience with thoughtful planning and personal service to create garden suites designed for the way families live.
Contact us
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