Goodbye gigantic old pool -- hello timeless classic garden!

For many of us, living in Texas and having a refreshing pool through the summer months is a necessity to survive. But a pool that eats up the whole back yard isn’t really the best use of space.  At this Park Cities home, the original backyard was charm-free, and the pool was so big guests had to squeeze around the sides of it (first photo, below). The plaster, tile and coping were old and tired, too, so it was time to update.

Instead of just dressing up a bad design, the owners decided to remove the old pool and create more inviting, usable spaces. They felt that a southern, Charleston-style garden would echo the architecture of the house.  As in Charleston, a small yard feels more spacious when broken into separate rooms for different uses.

The upper terrace was enlarged to create a cozy dining area. In the warmer months, family and friends gather around a big communal table. And in cooler weather, people can scoot their chairs up to the custom brick fireplace. 

Separated by a brick planter and low trees, the lower terrace is a formal lawn bordered with a bluestone walk that complements the exterior of the Georgian-Federal style house. This tiny green space lets your eye rest from the hard surfaces of house, walls and terraces.

On the long axis at the far end of the yard, a small raised pool serves as both fountain and focal point. It’s a great place to sit and cool off on hot days, and is much less trouble to maintain than a full-sized pool. In the center, a carved stone piece found by the owner is usually the roosting place for the grandkids’ rubber duckies. The new garden transcends fashion, providing a beautiful, functional space to enjoy for years to come.