Design ideas for a large country backyard rectangular lap pool in San Francisco with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Inspiration for a large country backyard rectangular pool in Miami with tile.

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

Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Austin with a hot tub 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.

A beautiful poolside outdoor room with a gorgeous fireplace, outdoor grilling and beverage center, living room area, bar seating, and a pergola.
Photo of a large country backyard pool in St Louis with a pool house and stamped concrete.

The natural setting to the north, including the Credit River, offers a beautiful and fitting backdrop to this natural swimming pond.
Small country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Toronto with decking.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard l-shaped aboveground pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard l-shaped aboveground pool in Los Angeles with a hot tub and concrete pavers.

This is an example of a large country backyard rectangular infinity pool in Other with natural stone pavers.

Mid-sized country backyard rectangular lap pool in Phoenix.

This is an example of a large country backyard pool in Raleigh with a pool house.

Jessica Mims, See In See Out
Inspiration for a small country backyard rectangular infinity pool in Austin with concrete pavers.

Icehouse with guest bedroom and covered porch. Photography by Travis Keas The 3,400 SF, 3 – bedroom, 3 ½ bath main house feels larger than it is because we pulled the kids’ bedroom wing and master suite wing out from the public spaces and connected all three with a TV Den. Convenient ranch house features include a porte cochere at the side entrance to the mud room, a utility/sewing room near the kitchen, and covered porches that wrap two sides of the pool terrace. We designed a separate icehouse to showcase the owner’s unique collection of Texas memorabilia. The building includes a guest suite and a comfortable porch overlooking the pool. The main house and icehouse utilize reclaimed wood siding, brick, stone, tie, tin, and timbers alongside appropriate new materials to add a feeling of age.

Autant la forme de la piscine est d’une redoutable simplicité, autant les éléments qui la composent et qui l’entourent sont d’un charme et d’une qualité indéniables. © Sarah Chambon

Josh Moates
This is an example of a small country backyard custom-shaped pool in Miami with concrete pavers.

This is an example of a large country backyard rectangular lap pool in Houston with natural stone pavers.

Inspiration for a large country backyard rectangular pool in Richmond with concrete pavers.

This welcoming and unique property is adjacent to the Diablo Country Club golf course, nestled at the foot of Mt. Diablo. The grounds needed updating to compliment the home's transitional farmhouse-style remodel. We designed a new pavilion for a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The pavilion houses a cozy kitchen & grill, sleek bar, TV, ceiling fan, heaters, wall speakers, and inviting dining area. A pergola and trellis flank the modernized swimming pool and spa, the larger pergola featuring a square fire pit. To the expansive lawn we added two natural stone patios, clean gravel and stone pathways, retaining walls and fresh plantings.