Most new homeowners put their back yard on the “back burner,” placing its design installation at the end of their to-do list. But Susan Ferenc and John Bell considered the back yard a top priority when they bought their home in the Las Palmas Bay area of Redington Beach. Once a plain, grassy space, their back yard is now a literal paradise, with an inground pool, that was completed before the couple finished remodeling the inside of their home. With flexible work hours and days where they can occasionally work from home, the couple decided that now was the time to create the Florida retirement home they’ve always wanted—before they truly retire a few years from now.
To create the back yard in this new home, the couple turned to Mike Mulligan, owner of MJM Design Group, who specializes in residential and commercial design and landscape construction. Mulligan recommended Pat O’Connell, owner of Landmark Pools, Inc., to handle construction of the new pool. Together they agreed on the pool and landscape design and O’Connell began installing the pool while Susan and Mulligan started shopping for plants and palm trees. John installed the irrigation system himself.
The pool’s shape is free form, originating literally from a “scribble of swirls” that Susan jotted down as the group began discussing her and John’s vision of their backyard Eden.
Rather than a traditional chlorine pool, O’Connell installed a salt chlorinator, which is easier to maintain and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
The pool itself is 41 feet long and includes three benches located at various depths as well as a flat beach shelf entry with an umbrella sleeve and fountain bubbler. This is the perfect spot for outdoor chairs and loungers—and it’s their dog’s favorite place to run across and splash around.
The couple did not want a lot of hardscape; their theme was curved lines with a tropical feel. Local Florida lime rocks and 6×12-inch travertine pavers make an inviting combination surrounding the dark blue hue of the pool.
A wide variety of palm trees—Susan’s favorite—offer shade and contrast. The back yard is home to Queens, Arecas, Royals, Montgomerys, Coconuts, and Foxtails. The far side of the pool is raised a bit higher in order to elevate the landscaping backdrop.
Nearby, but not attached, is a fiberglass spa that was already in place but in need of updating. O’Connell placed travertine pavers around the spa to incorporate it into the overall design. The homeowners especially like having the spa separate from the pool itself, since, using a small, lightweight cover, it can more easily be kept not just warm and comfortable but hot if wanted, even during the winter months. The deep blue of the fiberglass complements the rich tones of the pool surface.
“We loved working with Pat and his staff at Landmark Pools,” Susan says. “For example, we especially wanted the pool ready for Memorial Day and Pat himself came to work on it on Sunday, the day before, so we could be ready to entertain.”
Today the lush back yard’s inground pool blends perfectly with their inviting home as well as the nearby water view. Retirement has never looked so appealing.