Manage Your Life

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Backyard Oasis

Written by Leah Konen


If a staycation sounds a bit anticlimactic, you’ve never seen backyards like these. We scoured the country and found the most amazing outdoor spaces, whether through ingenious landscaping, indescribable views, spectacular swimming pools, or a breathtaking combination of all three. So if you’re in the mood to dream—or in need of a little inspiration for your own at-home retreat–take a look at nine spaces that turn the backyard into a five star destination…

(Above) Shimmering Stretch

Set in idyllic and magnificent Marin County, California, this 75-foot-long lap pool, designed by landscape architect Bernard Trainor is stunning against the native grassland. A concrete and stone walkway leads down to the gleaming expanse, accented with coyote bush, needle grass, and rosemary, to enhance the land’s natural beauty.

Photographer: Jason Liske

Bring on the Bubbly

Landscape designer Anthony Exter designed this spectacular pool space in Pasadena, California, with a light installation and waterfall to mimic a bubbling bottle of champagne. That motif, plus the accompanying allee with enough space to seat 100 plus people, makes this contemporary backyard a posh party space.

Photographer: Steve Gunther


Rustic Ranch

Landscape designer Anthony Exter designed this spectacular pool space in Pasadena, California, with a light installation and waterfall to mimic a bubbling bottle of champagne. That motif, plus the accompanying allee with enough space to seat 100 plus people, makes this contemporary backyard a posh party space.

Photographer: Steve Gunther


Spanish Oasis

Landscape designer Anthony Exter created a charming garden to compliment a Spanish-style home in Hollywood Hills. Incorporating simple concrete and stucco to create the walls of the pool and the stepping stones, and lush Mediterranean plants, this well-manicured oasis sends us straight to Europe.

Photographer: Steve Gunther

Check out FIVE more beautiful, breathtaking backyards!

Which heavenly haven is your favorite?
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From the Community…

Comments 1-6 of 6
  • M's Avatar
    Posted by M Tue Aug 4, 2009 10:32am PDT

    We can't afford a vacation, but we can afford ANY of these..........PULEEZE. I thought this article may actually be helpful in some way, but NO.

    Report Abuse
  • xo's Avatar
    Posted by xo Tue Aug 4, 2009 10:57am PDT

    Butterfly, it was for INSPIRATION! Take a damn chill pill and read what the author wrote instead of freaking out. If you look through Sunset Magazine you'll see ways you can update your yard (or patio, deck etc) for any type of budget.

    These pics are gorgeous, thank you for sharing them.

    Report Abuse
  • EW's Avatar
    Posted by EW Tue Aug 4, 2009 12:54pm PDT

    I like the first photo of the long lap pool. It is wonderful but imagine the house this pool must belong to? It would be funny to turn the camera over and find an old trailer back there! Then I would be really surprised.

    Report Abuse
  • Andygirl's Avatar
    Posted by Andygirl Tue Aug 4, 2009 4:09pm PDT

    I like the lap pool too, but I wanted a description of the ranch one. :(

    Report Abuse
  • james's Avatar
    Posted by james Wed Aug 5, 2009 12:50pm PDT

    More nature, less man.

    Report Abuse
  • Lisa's Avatar
    Posted by Lisa Wed Aug 5, 2009 9:40pm PDT

    I think anything that is God's creations is beautiful. Just think if you had to look at the same thing over and over again. These back yards are all beautiful

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-6 of 6

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