Monday, November 26, 2012

The Front Yard Pool




When we designed the pool, my intention was a rectangular pool that would reflect the tower of the house.








The palms were chosen to reflect in the pool on the south side.
The house 1 year ago at purchase. Welcome to our jungle.


When we bought the Florida House, the original owners told the neighbors that Canuks had bought the house. Apparently there was a consensus that we were Crazy Canuks after it was revealed that we intended to put a pool in the front yard. They couldn't fathom it. Most had never ventured into the inner front yard. It was a dark, spooky jungle. I am sure they worried about their property values. My own father in law thought I was nuts. But I had a vision the minute I saw this house online, and I contacted the City to see if I could get approval for a front yard pool. The Yard is actually more of a courtyard. We have a 25' front yard on the sidewalk side, and a second 40' yard with a fence dividing it. 

My plan was to make the inner yard more of a courtyard, typical of many Spanish Colonial Revival houses. We changed the wooden stockade fence to wrought iron, and designed a simple, linear rectangular pool that lined up nicely with the "Tower" portion of the house in order to reflect it. On the other side we planted a row of Foxtail palms to reflect in the other end of the pool. The center hot tub lined with Mexican tile recreates the effect of a circular fountain, also typical of a Spanish Colonial courtyard. We manged to use some of the old brick in a pathway from the gate to the sidewalk, but used new pavers in a hexagon pattern on the pool deck that mimic the old Hex Block pavers found all over the historic parts of St. Petersburg, and also in another area of our yard. We curved this away from the front gate so we could block a direct view into the courtyard from the street and we planted many of the gorgeous palms originally removed from the jungle pre-pool construction, and also a Hibiscus hedge to grow up against the fence for privacy and color.

We have had many neighbors drop by to tell us they love it. And they admit they don't think I am crazy any more.

19 comments:

  1. I never thought you were crazy *Just for the record* and I see that your are very good at planning and designing !
    I love it. Every inch of it. Brava !

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  2. Visionary would be the word I would use. Not crazy.

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  3. Sometimes crazy is a good thing! Looks fabulous Chania...foxtail palms are my favourite, I love the way they rustle.

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  4. It couldn't be lovelier. The dark wood bench and the planter you have chosen are beautiful against the blue water.

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  5. Crazy like a fox you are.

    beautifully done.

    You are quite a visionary.

    xo Jane

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  6. 823 has been transformed! You have the "eye" and the vision, (and patience) to make it come alive. Beautiful Chania . . . I love it! Everything . . .

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  7. I am thoroughly impressed with the final result .. and with your eye for design! Brava!!!

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  8. You did an amazing job designing your courtyard. It looks beautiful!

    S
    xo

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  9. Well, if only they had heard you talking to those pool people.... You are crazy good at envisioning the end result Chania. I love all the plantings, the furnishings and the thought that went into all of the design elements. You should be very happy with the beautiful end result. I wouldn't be surprised if a few of the neighbors didn't start making plans for a front yard pool... Enjoy and congratulations on surviving it all splendidly. Ann

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  10. It looks great. Have all the issues been fixed now?

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  11. Your taste is awesome......it looks fabulous! Who would had ever thought?

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  12. I am a log cabin fanatic, but you have opend my eyes to a style I never liked prior. Thank you for changing my mind. The pool and house are awesome. You should be so proud.

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  13. What a difference, so beautiful. Loving the furniture, so good to see the before and after shots ! Enjoy the rest of your holiday!
    Ivan

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  14. It looks gorgeous. Wishing you many years of joy using your new space. By the way, I see the colour of the pool has changed nicely and is a gorgeous blue.

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  15. It looks like a sanctuary, of rest and calmness. Lovely. Simply lovely.

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  16. WEll Chania - you knocked this right out of the park - I'm sure you're the envy of the neighbours now!
    It's simply stunning
    XXX

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  17. Absolutely gorgeous. Perfect in every way Chania.

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I love to read each and every comment and are thrilled that you take the time to send one. Thank you so much. Chania