Transforming Outdoor Living in New England: The Story Behind Boston Pergolas
- Manolis Christo
- Nov 2
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever flipped through Westwood Living and admired the sleek, modern pergolas on the back cover, you’re not alone. Many homeowners have found themselves dreaming of creating that same luxurious outdoor living experience — a space that feels like a private retreat, right in their own backyard.
That dream is what drives Boston Pergolas and its owner, Manolis Christo, who has built one of New England’s premier design and build firms specializing in motorized pergolas, custom outdoor structures, and luxury backyard transformations.
A Passion for Outdoor Design and Lifestyle
When Manolis and his wife Katia moved to Westwood in 2014, their goal was simple: to raise a family and build a home that embraced their love for cooking, entertaining, and time outdoors.
“I grew up in the restaurant business and have a passion for cooking,” Manolis recalls. “When we built our home, I acted as the general contractor myself because we wanted something truly special — an outdoor kitchen and lounge that reflected how we live.”
The result was stunning — an open-air kitchen, complete with a lounge area, fire feature, and elegant masonry. But one major issue quickly became clear: the lack of shade. “The sun would reflect off the stone, making the space too hot to enjoy,” he says.
Discovering StruXure and Redefining Outdoor Comfort
That’s when Manolis discovered StruXure Outdoor — the leading manufacturer of motorized louvered pergolas in North America. These innovative systems feature moisture-sensing louvers, integrated heating and cooling, motorized screens, and smart lighting control, all designed to adapt to the weather with the touch of a button.
Recognizing the potential, Manolis spent a year working with the StruXure team to become their authorized dealer in Boston. His expertise in design and construction, combined with StruXure’s cutting-edge technology, laid the foundation for Boston Pergolas — a company now recognized among the top outdoor design specialists in North America.
Bringing Boston’s Outdoor Spaces to Life
Since then, Boston Pergolas has transformed outdoor environments across the city — from private residences to high-profile commercial spaces.
Their portfolio includes installations at Gordon Ramsay Burger, Umbria, Mia Roof Deck in the North End, and Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks near Kenmore Square.
“For me, it was surreal,” says Manolis. “I went to Boston University and spent many nights in that neighborhood. To return years later and design these iconic spaces was incredibly rewarding.”
A Smart Investment for Restaurants and Homeowners Alike
For restaurants and hospitality venues, pergolas aren’t just aesthetic — they’re strategic.
“The formula is simple,” explains Manolis. “You calculate how many tables you’ll add under the pergola, how many times they’ll turn per night, and what your average revenue per table is. Multiply that by your weekly schedule and by 52 weeks — and you’ll see just how quickly your pergola pays for itself.”
Homeowners, too, are seeing the value. A custom StruXure pergola can significantly enhance property value, extend outdoor living season-round, and completely redefine how families entertain and relax at home.
Built to Last. Designed to Inspire.
Every project Boston Pergolas completes is built to endure the harsh New England climate while maintaining timeless design appeal.
“The creation we leave behind is permanent,” says Manolis. “It changes how people live — how they entertain, relax, and connect. Clients tell us their friends come over and rave about the space. That’s when we know we’ve done our job.”
It’s not just about structures — it’s about relationships. “Our business is built on referrals and trust,” he adds. “We believe in creating spaces that inspire, and in building a network that lasts.”
Explore What’s Possible with Boston Pergolas
From residential backyards to commercial patios, Boston Pergolas combines architecture, engineering, and innovation to create outdoor environments that redefine luxury living.
📍 Learn more: bostonpergolas.com
Comments