Good eye, Betsy--yes they are!

If you designed the pool too, double thumbs up!! I saw your website and I am very impressed. I am building a home in New Smyrna so looking for ideas. Thank you for yours.

We didn't design the original pool, but we repurposed it This was actually quite a dramatic renovation.

The concept was to transform two Siesta Key residences, a home and historic guest house, into one cohesive experience, maintaining the privacy of each structure while bringing the users together in the shared experience of a relaxing pool courtyard with breathtaking oceanfront views. The critical challenge in executing this concept was the original orientation of the properties. The main residence had a Beach Road driveway abutting the Gulf of Mexico; the guest house entry was on the opposite side of the property, off an interior Siesta Key roadway. The spectacular Gulf frontage was grievously downplayed by the siting of main house’s driveway and entry sequence on the ocean side. The main home’s small windows and almost total lack of gathering space rendered the expansive views and beachfront experience practically unusable. Further, the two residences were harshly separated by a dilapidated fence, unruly vegetation, gawdy overhead powerlines, and an awkward elevated swimming pool (see the BEFORE image attached).

Our solution was to completely redesign the circulation of the property and join the two structures by creating a courtyard retreat aesthetic, centered around the shared swimming pool. The existing oceanfront driveway and divisive fence and vegetation were removed, and the overhead power lines were relocated underground. The main entry of the home was reoriented 180 degrees inward, toward the courtyard. This allowed the former awkward oceanfront vehicular entry to be transformed into an expansive seating area. The home was renovated to incorporate large sliding glass doors that opened out into two new patio areas, bringing the ocean indoors, and comfortable seating space outside.

We transitioned the grade to allow the swimming pool a smooth and site-appropriate elevation. The pool was refinished with striking blue glass tile to pull the user’s view toward the Gulf, and to unite both homes in celebration of their joined approach toward the sea. A new fencing system with two arbor-covered gates now encourages entry to both the main residence and the guest house. What was once a confusing and obtrusive front entry sequence abutting the ocean is now an outdoor lounge with a breathtaking 180 degree view of the Gulf of Mexico. The main residence remains prominent, while the historical home is the obvious guest house; yet both spaces now boast welcoming entry experiences, and enjoy an equal sense of belonging to both pool courtyard and beach.

Thanks for indulging our lengthy response! We thoroughly enjoyed this project.

job well done; it's lovely and I"m sure spectacular in person. Do you ever design in the New Smyrna area? I have an architect designed new home on the intercoastal and he designed the pool area but its not fully developed. Our plans are at the city now so hoping to start construction very soon.

Betsy, we design throughout the state and would love to talk further about your project. We operate exclusively on a design-build basis. Let's set up a phone meeting! 941.924.0132.