The owners of this property in swanky Manhattan Beach had outgrown the old pool in their backyard. Their children were grown and the pool ate up most of their back yard leaving them with a space that didn’t function well for their needs. What they really wanted was somewhere to host their large circle of family and friends.
I created a space with multiple “rooms” for relaxing and entertaining. The central pergola is a place to dine and keep warm. A heater over the dining table keeps diners toasty while the fire table and built in bench at the other end are great when the weather turns nippy. A swing bench with its own mini-pergola are a favorite place to wind down and relax. The outdoor kitchen is in an L-shape and one side doubles as a buffet to place extra dishes of food and drink while entertaining. The large Quartzite patio has plenty of room for lounging and can even double as a dance surface when called for.
It’s all surrounded by a lush garden with a plant palette that is easy care and drought tolerant. They also wanted to reduce their high water and electricity footprint and this space has lowered their needs significantly.