Search results for "Ever evolving field" in Home Design Ideas

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life.
The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time.
The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room.
Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage.
Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee.
We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces.
In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color.
The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook!
Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home.
The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client.
Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients!
We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms.
This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.
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This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life.
The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time.
The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room.
Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage.
Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee.
We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces.
In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color.
The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook!
Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home.
The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client.
Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients!
We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms.
This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life.
The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time.
The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room.
Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage.
Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee.
We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces.
In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color.
The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook!
Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home.
The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client.
Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients!
We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms.
This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

Sponsored
Fredericksburg, OH
High Point Cabinets
Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

TThe Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

A 20-year partnership creates a green space that is ever-evolving.
Many of our clients continue a partnership with D. A. Dunlevy long after the initial design and build is finished. This elegant Potomac residence started the journey with stone walls and ornamental plantings being installed in 1999. Since then, we have provided ongoing landscape maintenance, as well as adding new elements that fit in organically with the original design. Most recently, D. A. Dunlevy designed and built a flagstone patio and fire pit, and put in additional plantings to expand the gardens. This project is a perfect example of how an outdoor space can change and mature over the years, and how implementing new design ideas can keep things fresh for the homeowners.

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-end residential architecture, Antonovich Group continues to push boundaries with their breathtaking modern futuristic luxury villa exteriors. These architectural masterpieces seamlessly blend cutting-edge design principles with sophisticated landscape integration, creating homes that feel like they've been transported from tomorrow.
Redefining Dubai Villa Facade Design
The hallmark of Antonovich Group's approach lies in their ability to transform traditional villa concepts into stunning contemporary statements. Their Dubai villa facade design philosophy embraces clean geometric lines, expansive glass surfaces, and innovative material combinations that create striking visual impact while maintaining functional excellence. Each facade tells a unique story through carefully orchestrated proportions, where every element serves both aesthetic and practical purposes.
The integration of natural stone, sleek metals, and floor-to-ceiling glazing creates a dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces that's both dramatic and inviting. These facades don't just shelter—they inspire, featuring bold cantilevers, sculptural elements, and seamless transitions that blur the boundaries between architecture and art.
Illuminating Excellence: Exterior Lighting Design UAE
Perhaps nowhere is Antonovich Group's attention to detail more evident than in their exterior lighting design UAE projects. Their lighting schemes transform these architectural gems into nocturnal spectacles, using strategic illumination to highlight key design features while creating warm, welcoming atmospheres.
The lighting design extends far beyond mere functionality, incorporating LED strips that trace architectural lines, uplighting that dramatizes textural surfaces, and ambient systems that create layers of visual interest throughout the evening hours. Water features become luminous focal points, while landscape elements are carefully lit to maintain the villa's connection to its surroundings even after dark.
Landscape Integration: Where Architecture Meets Nature
The surrounding landscape design serves as the perfect complement to these futuristic structures. Antonovich Group creates outdoor environments that feel like natural extensions of the villa's interior spaces, featuring infinity pools that seem to merge with the horizon, sculptural plantings that echo the building's geometric forms, and outdoor living areas that rival the luxury found indoors.
These landscapes aren't afterthoughts—they're integral components of the overall design vision, incorporating sustainable practices, climate-appropriate vegetation, and water-wise design principles that ensure long-term beauty and environmental responsibility.
The Antonovich Group Difference
What sets Antonovich Group apart in the luxury villa market is their holistic approach to design. Every project represents a complete lifestyle vision, where architecture, landscape, lighting, and interior spaces work in perfect harmony. Their futuristic aesthetic never sacrifices comfort or livability, instead enhancing both through thoughtful innovation and meticulous craftsmanship.
These aren't just houses—they're statements about how luxury living can evolve while respecting both environmental consciousness and timeless design principles. Each Antonovich Group villa stands as a testament to the possibility of creating homes that are simultaneously forward-thinking and deeply rooted in the art of gracious living.

The first Net Zero Minto Dream Home:
At Minto Communities, we’re always trying to evolve through research and development. We see building the Minto Dream Home as an opportunity to push the boundaries on innovative home building practices, so this year’s Minto Dream Home, the Hampton—for the first time ever—has been built as a Net Zero Energy home. This means the home will produce as much energy as it consumes.
Carefully considered East-coast elegance:
Returning this year to head up the interior design, we have Tanya Collins. The Hampton is based on our largest Mahogany design—the 3,551 sq. ft. Redwood. It draws inspiration from the sophisticated beach-houses of its namesake. Think relaxed coastal living, a soft neutral colour palette, lots of light, wainscotting, coffered ceilings, shiplap, wall moulding, and grasscloth wallpaper.
* 5,641 sq. ft. of living space
* 4 bedrooms
* 3.5 bathrooms
* Finished basement with oversized entertainment room, exercise space, and a juice bar
* A great room featuring stunning views of the surrounding nature

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

The first Net Zero Minto Dream Home:
At Minto Communities, we’re always trying to evolve through research and development. We see building the Minto Dream Home as an opportunity to push the boundaries on innovative home building practices, so this year’s Minto Dream Home, the Hampton—for the first time ever—has been built as a Net Zero Energy home. This means the home will produce as much energy as it consumes.
Carefully considered East-coast elegance:
Returning this year to head up the interior design, we have Tanya Collins. The Hampton is based on our largest Mahogany design—the 3,551 sq. ft. Redwood. It draws inspiration from the sophisticated beach-houses of its namesake. Think relaxed coastal living, a soft neutral colour palette, lots of light, wainscotting, coffered ceilings, shiplap, wall moulding, and grasscloth wallpaper.
* 5,641 sq. ft. of living space
* 4 bedrooms
* 3.5 bathrooms
* Finished basement with oversized entertainment room, exercise space, and a juice bar
* A great room featuring stunning views of the surrounding nature

The first Net Zero Minto Dream Home:
At Minto Communities, we’re always trying to evolve through research and development. We see building the Minto Dream Home as an opportunity to push the boundaries on innovative home building practices, so this year’s Minto Dream Home, the Hampton—for the first time ever—has been built as a Net Zero Energy home. This means the home will produce as much energy as it consumes.
Carefully considered East-coast elegance:
Returning this year to head up the interior design, we have Tanya Collins. The Hampton is based on our largest Mahogany design—the 3,551 sq. ft. Redwood. It draws inspiration from the sophisticated beach-houses of its namesake. Think relaxed coastal living, a soft neutral colour palette, lots of light, wainscotting, coffered ceilings, shiplap, wall moulding, and grasscloth wallpaper.
* 5,641 sq. ft. of living space
* 4 bedrooms
* 3.5 bathrooms
* Finished basement with oversized entertainment room, exercise space, and a juice bar
* A great room featuring stunning views of the surrounding nature

The first Net Zero Minto Dream Home:
At Minto Communities, we’re always trying to evolve through research and development. We see building the Minto Dream Home as an opportunity to push the boundaries on innovative home building practices, so this year’s Minto Dream Home, the Hampton—for the first time ever—has been built as a Net Zero Energy home. This means the home will produce as much energy as it consumes.
Carefully considered East-coast elegance:
Returning this year to head up the interior design, we have Tanya Collins. The Hampton is based on our largest Mahogany design—the 3,551 sq. ft. Redwood. It draws inspiration from the sophisticated beach-houses of its namesake. Think relaxed coastal living, a soft neutral colour palette, lots of light, wainscotting, coffered ceilings, shiplap, wall moulding, and grasscloth wallpaper.
* 5,641 sq. ft. of living space
* 4 bedrooms
* 3.5 bathrooms
* Finished basement with oversized entertainment room, exercise space, and a juice bar
* A great room featuring stunning views of the surrounding nature

A 20-year partnership creates a green space that is ever-evolving.
Many of our clients continue a partnership with D. A. Dunlevy long after the initial design and build is finished. This elegant Potomac residence started the journey with stone walls and ornamental plantings being installed in 1999. Since then, we have provided ongoing landscape maintenance, as well as adding new elements that fit in organically with the original design. Most recently, D. A. Dunlevy designed and built a flagstone patio and fire pit, and put in additional plantings to expand the gardens. This project is a perfect example of how an outdoor space can change and mature over the years, and how implementing new design ideas can keep things fresh for the homeowners.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

Frost Remodeling are full-service general contractors in Fremont. We offer specialized services for bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, room additions and home remodeling in Fremont. We are dedicated to understand your dreams and then use the latest tools and techniques to bring those dreams to life. Contact us today and discover how we can help you.
General Contractors, Home Renovation in Fremont, CA - https://www.frostremodeling.com/

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool
The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly.
This is far more than a swimming pool.
It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience.
A Client With a True Rockstar Life
The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality.
His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful.
The Design Vision
Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky.
The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater.
Repurposed Materials Used as Art
Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components:
Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure
Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars
Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures
Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting
3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels
Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage
Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space.
Artistic Features and Highlights
The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as:
A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor
Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line
Guitar-shaped fire features
Backlit album panels positioned just above the water
A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers
A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars
Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included:
Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure
Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height
Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage
Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto
Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower
Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines
The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it.
The Legendary Team
This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including:
Al Curtis – Designer and builder
Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist
Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing
Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features
Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals
Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking
Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance
dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation
Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements
Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment.
A Client Who Trusted the Process
As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities.
The Final Result
The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.
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