Photo of a mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Karl Neumann Photography
Photo of an expansive country backyard round natural pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Atlanta with a water feature and brick pavers.

Caleb Melvin
This is an example of an expansive country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Seattle with a water feature.

Custom 10,000 square foot beach house built immediately following Superstorm Sandy. Outdoor living area. Pool, Cabana, pergola, outdoor living.
Inspiration for a large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in New York with natural stone pavers.

This is an example of an expansive country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Houston with a hot tub and tile.

Richard Mandelkorn
This is an example of a large country backyard rectangular natural pool in Boston with a pool house and concrete pavers.

The siting and design of the spa was centered on the concept of water filling a void where a boulder may once have been located. By painstakingly preserving the adjacent boulder during construction, integrating site boulders within the spa and using native stone around the spa this concept is achieved. Plants surrounding the spa further integrated it into its context. Richardson & Associates, Landscape Architects

This Classic Carolina Bradford spa is fully recessed into the stone decking. Bradford spas are uniquely resistant to difficult weather conditions because of their extremely durable stainless steel shell. A Bradford spa will not crack in extreme temperatures and comes with a standard 25 year warranty on the shell.

Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard kidney-shaped natural pool in Boston with a water slide and natural stone pavers.

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

This is an example of an expansive country backyard rectangular natural pool in Denver with stamped concrete.

Mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with natural stone pavers and a hot tub.

Request Free Quote This raised hot tub measures 7'0" x 9'0", and features an automatic pool safety cover. Colored LED lighting sets the evening mood. The hot tub finish is Ceramaquartz, and the coping is Valder's Wisconsin Limestone. The deck around the hot tub and the pathway is Kodiak Granite Slab pavers. The rear yard stoop risers are clad in Chilton Rustic Royal Chateau, and the treads are Kodiak sandblasted Granite. The spa equipment is cleverly hidden utilizing a 48" Cedar wood fence. Photos by Larry Huene

Mid-sized country rectangular natural pool in Charleston with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Inspiration for a country backyard round natural pool in Kansas City with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Boston with a hot tub and stamped concrete.

Photo of an expansive country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Houston with a hot tub and tile.