Gosh, just looking back at those photos reminds me of how long a trip this has been!!

One more. This is the view from the back once the first few rows of stone and soil were in place. I guess we had built up about four feet in total at this time. Reminds me of some ancient ruins. lol

Ooooooh….jealous.

I'm curious, though: Aren't you nervous to not have access for big trucks to the pool? What if repairs have to be done, or it has to be refilled with new water, or whatever? What did the contractor say about that, if anything?

There is no problem with water. They can always get big trucks pretty close to the pool. My husband is an engineer. I kind of left all of the outdoor planning to him. I will find out. I guess I just put my trust in him. Hmmm….. guess I will be quizzing him. He is in Egypt right now. So, can't really ask. He will be home tomorrow. I will see what he says.

Certainly didn't mean to open a can of worry worms. I was just curious…and muy jealous.

Love your black-trim windows. That has become popular around here, and I love the way it looks.

Thanks Tib! No worries here. However, it's a good question.

Do you mean the dark bronze windows? The trim color is the same as the house.

what color pebbletec are you getting!? I spent a lot of time looking at that when we built ours, tho in the end decided on the 3m aggregate which was a good decision ($ wise) given our limited season....

Aktillery, I remember that shot ... So pretty!

Now, about Egypt, why didn't you go along?! Omg, I'm so jelly. DH feels it's totally out of the question for safety reasons but I hear more and more snippets about people going. Way cool.

Very exciting. I just did an existing pool remodel and think I have your exact pool tile.

Gorgeous! I love that pool tile! And that view is to die for.

It's going to be wonderful. With that beautiful view just curious, if you don't mind sharing, what part of the country you're in.

Thanks everybody!

Mnt, my dh went there for work. He took a dinner cruise down the Nile. Yesterday he went to see the pyramids and spinx. I was so worried about him being there. The company that they met kept them under their security. I personally did not want to go. Looks like he will be traveling back several more times and for much longer. I know he will try to convince me to go. Eek!!

We are building a house and I need him here! He just got back from Dubai!

Busy, I don't really remember any of my choices! It's been ages since I made them. I remember it was a med blue color with flecks. Haha. That doesn't help huh?

Joanie, we are in south central Texas in what we call the hill country. I'm in between Austin and San Antonio.

Akt, that picture of your view doesn't do it justice!

Thanks Mag!! Glad you got to come see it in person!!

I would have never guessed Texas, but I've heard such wonderful things about that area....hope to visit one day.

Aktillery, yes, the bronze windows. I love the bronze, black trim and muntins look. And very beautiful at night when interior light is behind them, from outside.

Your project always reminds me of the site of an HGTV house that an Austin family once built; anyone else remember that? It was back when they had those shows that would follow the building of a house over many episodes?

Mtn, strange I must have missed that one.

Gorgeous view. Your pool is going to be amazing. That is some serious landscape engineering! I can't wait to see your house when it's completed. It's going to be beautiful. You are getting close to the finish line :-)

AKT, it was a long time ago, but I always thought of it when I saw your photos because they had a beautiful lake view like yours, and I thought they were in the same general area. And you know we Yankees don't think of lakes when we think of Texas, so I figure y'all have just the one? ; )

Now it's going to drive me crazy trying to remember that show!

I designed an infinity edge pool for our home on a golf course. You have the BEST possible location for that pool. When you are lying on a floatie in the pool, it's just you and the sky forever! It was us and the golf course, but we LOVED the outcome. It was a long build. Looking forward to your photos. Here is ours:

We have since sold that property and now have a pool with a grotto and a waterfall and a killer view. We'd love it to be infinity because we are high in the hills, but too much effort to do that, so... Looking forward to your finished photos!

Mtn, you are funny. We actually have a great number of lakes in Texas. This lake (Canyon Lake) I believe us the deepest but not even close to the largest.

Thank you Suzi! That is one beautiful pool!

I thought I would post a photo of the hill country here in Texas so not everyone thinks Texas is the desert! lol

That pic makes me want to go for a Sunday drive!

Texas actually has close to 200 lakes, but few are natural. The COE went bananas building some very impressive bodies of water. And, surprisingly to some (I'm looking at you Mtn!), Texas has 5,607 square miles of inland water, ranking it first in the 48 contiguous states.

What an amazing view!!! I didnt know it was so pretty in that part of the country. I love the green trees and the hills. Your pool is going to be spectacular! I wouldnt worry about trucks having access. When my fence is installed, there will be no access for vehicles either. The pool ctr. said that is fine. Your house is looking great too! Are those rusted metal posts? I love the look of rusted metal.

What color pebblesheen are you using? Dont use pebbletec. I was told it is rough and makes your feet sore. Most people choose pebble sheen nowadays, but hopefully your pool ctr. told you all this. I cant wait to see it finished!

attillery9, i'm on the outskirts of Austin, and when I have visitors and do 'the tour' they can't believe how hilly it really is. It trully is God's country, but I think I said the same thing when moving to San Diego, and they're complete opposites! Your property and pool are absolutely 'gorg'!

Thanks Patti! Yes, it is really lovely here. I have lived in many other great cities, but once a Texas you typically return. Guess it is what you know and love; its home.

Rocky, no the posts are stained a dark wood. I know we did not get pebbletec. Not sure what product we selected. That was the only term I could remember. I hope it doesn't hurt our feet!

Well, I really do feel stupid. I always thought Texas was pretty flat with nary a lake, save the ones you see at office parks...lol. I guess they don't call it Texas Hill Country for nothing. Actually, my sons have been to Austin several times and loved it. We may just have to put Texas on our list of places to consider for retirement.

All my exes live in Texas, LOL! TRUE! Been there many times! Love your hill country, especially when the blue bonnets are blooming! Cows grazing. Very pastoral! I think most of Texas is NOT desert, but it's just so big, desert is a chunk of it. Same with California. We have our share of deserts, but got the farms and ranches, pacific coast, high sierras and the redwoods too. Can't wait to see your finished pictures!

Retiring in Texas is a great idea if you are looking to reduce your living expenses. Cost of living is very low (unless you live in Austin). San Antonio is a much over looked city - it's on the edge of the Hill Country, laid back and has a wonderful Mexican culture.

Here are some pics I've taken from the Hill Country:

Texas is so huge that it has several different ecoregions: forests, prairies, savannahs, plains, plateaus & mountains. Something for everyone!

Those are beautiful Mag!!! Thanks for sharing!

And we have some great wineries! Did I mention the food? ;)

So true Patty! Where do you live. You mentioned the outskirts of Austin.

I'm 'way out' in Manor, off the 290 in the Shadowglen development. Am getting ready to list my house after building only 7 years ago, and moving out to the Dripping Springs/southwest Austin area. My daughter moved out to Rimrock and I want to be closer.

There are 3 wineries, very close to where she lives, and she's only about a mile from the 'famous' Salt Lick. It's VERY country out there, and I love it! Heck, I love Texas. ('You may all go to hell and i'm going to Texas.' Davy Crockett)

Patty, have you ever been to Tratoria Lisina? It's a great Italian restaurant in Driftwood that's right next to the vineyard. We love to go on a Spring Sunday afternoon. It's an experience.

Mag, yes twice! It's beautiful as well as having great food! Makes me feel like i'm in Italy, or even France! My DD lives in Driftwood, in the Rimrock development on the 1826.

There's a new winery down toward the Salt Lick, but don't know if they serve food. DD says it's very nice and has a small bed and breakfast. Do you live in that neck-of-the-woods?

Well, it's an amazing time to sell! Anytin near Auston is going for huge $$!

We live in Austin, and will move to the TX hill country when we retire. If we sold today, we could sell for 3-4 times what we paid for our home about 10 years ago. We took these pics at Muleshoe Bend park near Lake Travis this year.