Wait until you see this Tudor home’s backyard. Photos by Mike Van Tassell
Thanks to a Bedford-based architecture and design firm, an unused yard gets a new life and use with the addition of a beautiful pool, spa, and cabana.
Where there is now a beautiful pool and spa, attached cabana, outdoor bar, and dining terrace was a side yard that was unused by this family of six. The small, corner lot of this Tudor home was transformed thanks to the team headed up by Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors into a true outdoor oasis.
Challenges
Like any pool project, it came with challenges. For this one, there were four large hurdles the team had to face and resolve.
The Tudor design of the home dates to the 20th century, and the original bricks on the existing house were handmade and no longer available. The team had to research the origin of the brick and stone and gather multiple samples to create a seamless connection between the existing home and the new pool pavilion. “To create a unified and visual aesthetic between the existing and the new, keen attention was paid to the unique architectural elements of the original home,” says Carol Kurth, FAIA, ASID. This included pattern, scale, and texture as well as mortar color and joint details. “Mock-ups were presented for detailed review and approvals, ultimately achieving a seamless design thread while infusing a modern approach to the transitional style,” she adds.
Being that this was a side yard, the team wanted to create an enclosure for privacy and safety reasons, but not feel enclosed. “The lot line and streetscape are planted with lush evergreens, which will eventually conceal the fencing as the plantings mature,” says Kurth. “The rest of the fencing is tied into corners of the home, tucked amidst plantings.”
The area they were working with was also on the smaller side, but with design ingenuity and thoughtfulness, the team was able to incorporate multiple areas that serve different purposes. “The creative challenge on a small site is to be able to create an experience of outdoor rooms and vignettes that can serve multiple purposes, from relaxation to entertaining on a large scale,” says Kurth. “I love how we mixed historic details with modern sensibility to bring a new dynamic personality to the project and the reimagining of the yard areas to create a more functional outdoor lifestyle for [this] family.”
Finally, this home is situated in a beautiful enclave of Tudor homes on a corner lot; therefore, the approval process was challenging. “It was a difficult approval process to get a pool situated on the side of the prior lawn area, in this neighborhood, on this property,” says Kurth. But they did it and made the overall yard more functional.
Access
There are two entry points to the new and improved yard, pool, and spa, which also tie the home fluidly into the new amenities. Guests and the family can of course access the pool through the house, as there is an exterior door that leads you to the outdoors. And by the garage and parking area, there are stone steps that lead up to the landing and pool portal gate, as Kurth refers to it. “The arrival moment to the newly designed pool and cabana area is through an elegant gate (pool compliant) flanked on one side by a decorated pier and planter on the other, connected to the new cabana, thus integrating fencing for safety,” says Kurth.
Amenities
Built-in technology allows touch control of the pool and spa functions as well as a multi-hued LED lighting system. With the touch of a button, you can change the colors in the pool and the spa lighting array.
A myriad of seating areas was designed for larger gatherings or dining alfresco. The covered cabana features a bar, kitchenette, and TV and is easily accessible to the changing area, shower, and bathroom.
In the pool, there is a sunken hot tub detailed in bluestone that sits adjacent to the tanning ledge, with special attention paid to the interior slope of the pool to accommodate sports in the pool and laps. “The sun-ledge area is perfect to pull up your chair in the water, relax, and get your feet wet, but you can also swim laps and play volleyball,” says Kurth. There is something for everyone, and this new yard definitely gets more use.
Pool Tips
Do call a design professional.
“Engage a team to masterplan and develop the design concepts from inception to completion,” says Carol Kurth. “There are many logistical as well as zoning aspects involved with a pool design, and with an investment of this magnitude on your property, you want to be sure that the design is aesthetically [pleasing] as well as functional. It is an investment in your enjoyment as well as your real estate value!”
Think creatively and be realistic.
Come up with a wish list but also be realistic about what you can accomplish within your budget. “Each project is one of a kind and on a unique property that has its own aspects that can define and determine both limitations and investments,” says Kurth. “Landscaping, outdoor art, and furnishings should all be contemplated and budgeted along with the pool.”
Don’t think it can happen overnight.
“Plan ahead,” advises Kurth. “Between design, selections, approvals, and construction, a great project takes time!”
The Team
Architecture: Carol Kurth FAIA, ASID and Sely Quispe Gandarillas, Carol Kurth Architecture
Décor: Carol Kurth, FAIA, ASID and Tina Schwab, Carol Kurth Interiors
Contractor: H&Y Construction Landscape Design: Michael Oliveri, Michael and Sons Nurseries
Pool: Wagner Pools
Related: How to Create a More Eco-Friendly Yard in Westchester
