Pool terrace garden by Howard Design Studio. Cabana design by Norman Davenport Askins. photography: Emily Jenkins Followill

New pool and pool/landscape environment.

Builder: Markay Johnson Construction visit: www.mjconstruction.com Project Details: Located on a beautiful corner lot of just over one acre, this sumptuous home presents Country French styling – with leaded glass windows, half-timber accents, and a steeply pitched roof finished in varying shades of slate. Completed in 2006, the home is magnificently appointed with traditional appeal and classic elegance surrounding a vast center terrace that accommodates indoor/outdoor living so easily. Distressed walnut floors span the main living areas, numerous rooms are accented with a bowed wall of windows, and ceilings are architecturally interesting and unique. There are 4 additional upstairs bedroom suites with the convenience of a second family room, plus a fully equipped guest house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Equally impressive are the resort-inspired grounds, which include a beautiful pool and spa just beyond the center terrace and all finished in Connecticut bluestone. A sport court, vast stretches of level lawn, and English gardens manicured to perfection complete the setting. Photographer: Bernard Andre Photography

Hive LA Home toured this pool house in San Marino when it was being used as guest quarters, home office, and storage area. One bed, two tiny bathrooms (huh?) and a teeny tiny kitchenette, the space was not functional. Marrying the clients’ east coast ‘Hamptons’ aesthetic with the rich California architectural history of the neighborhood Hive LA Home made a space for both working and entertaining. New custom built-ins make plenty of office storage. A new kitchenette for hosting gatherings. Hive LA Home hid a pull out in the custom sofa that lets this little pool house sleep 6! Family-friendly materials throughout keep it from being too fussy: you can still saddle up to the bar in your wet towel for a margarita. Cheers!

Whit Preston Photography

Matthew Millman

Photo: Becki Peckham © 2013 Houzz

Photo by Asa Gilmore

Nantucket Architectural Photography

The French country influence is clearly evident in the style of the architecture and materials, which includes old world random stone work with wide mortar joints and contrasting dark timber supports and trim. The highlight of the backyard is a massive 19 x 49 dry Gunite infinity pool with visual zero edge.

Photo of front side of Tea House. Building is all hand constructed using pegs. The building is designed using metaphysical principles and was constructed using exotic and local wood species. . Photo credits: Dan Drobnick