E.S. Templeton Signature Landscapes
Inspiration for a large country backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Philadelphia with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

This is an example of a large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Nashville with natural stone pavers.

Large country backyard custom-shaped pool in Orlando with natural stone pavers.

Jonathan Edwards Media
Large modern backyard custom-shaped natural pool in Other with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

©Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.
Photo of a large transitional backyard rectangular lap pool in DC Metro with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Large transitional backyard rectangular pool in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers.

The infinity swimming pool is the centerpiece of this dramatic yard. The upper and lower travertine patios give depth to the entertaining space. The retaining walls double as a garden bed to bring color into the yard. The fire bowls on either side of the pool light add to the ambiance for evening entertaining.

This pool and spa is built in an affluent neighborhood with many new homes that are traditional in design but have modern, clean details. Similar to the homes, this pool takes a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long lap pool that the client desired with plenty of room for a separate spa. The two bodies of water, though separate, are visually linked together by a custom limestone raised water feature wall with 10 custom Bobe water scuppers. Quality workmanship as required throughout the entire build to ensure the automatic pool cover would remain square the entire 50 foot length of the pool. Features of this pool and environment that enhance the aesthetic appeal of this project include: -Glass waterline tile -Glass seat and bench tile -Glass tile swim lane marking on pool floor -Custom limestone coping and deck -PebbleTec pool finish -Synthetic Turf Lawn This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Shane LeBlanc
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard rectangular infinity pool in Other with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

This is an example of a large contemporary backyard rectangular lap pool in New Orleans with a pool house and natural stone pavers.

Photo of a large country backyard rectangular pool in Other 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.

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard rectangular infinity pool in Phoenix with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

This Coastal style home has it all; a pool, spa, outdoor entertaining rooms, and a stunning view of Wayzata Bay. Our ORIJIN Ferris™ Limestone is used for the pool & spa paving and coping, all outdoor room flooring, as well as the interior tile. ORIJIN Greydon™ Sandstone steps and Wolfeboro™ wall stone are featured with the landscaping elements. LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALL: Yardscapes, Inc. MASONRY: Luke Busker Masonry ARCHITECT: Alexander Design Group, Inc. BUILDER: John Kramer & Sons, Inc. INTERIOR DESIGN: Redpath Constable Interior Design

Large modern backyard rectangular infinity pool in Phoenix with a hot tub and natural stone pavers.

Nestled on 90 acres of peaceful prairie land, this modern rustic home blends indoor and outdoor spaces with natural stone materials and long, beautiful views. Featuring ORIJIN STONE's Westley™ Limestone veneer on both the interior and exterior, as well as our Tupelo™ Limestone interior tile, pool and patio paving. Architecture: Rehkamp Larson Architects Inc Builder: Hagstrom Builders Landscape Architecture: Savanna Designs, Inc Landscape Install: Landscape Renovations MN Masonry: Merlin Goble Masonry Inc Interior Tile Installation: Diamond Edge Tile Interior Design: Martin Patrick 3 Photography: Scott Amundson Photography

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard rectangular pool in Minneapolis with natural stone pavers.

Unique Home Stays
Large country backyard rectangular pool in Other with natural stone pavers.

The backyard features a new freeform pool with quartz pebbles liner; a custom slide and spa with stacked stone matching the barbecue area; custom redwood side gates and wooden fence throughout the property; new barbecue area, stone pavers; matching stairs to the house and new trees and landscaping with irrigation system.