An Olympic Soccer Star’s Palmetto Bluff Backyard Is Built for Family, Fun and the Waterfront
A pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, bar and private turf field transform this waterfront backyard into a retreat designed for recreation and family time.
Story by Alea Wilkins
Photography by Kelli Boyd and Corey Gibson
When designing the backyard for an Olympic gold medalist in soccer, Court Atkins Group emphasized recreation, gathering and the home’s waterfront setting. Set along Palmetto Bluff’s inland rivers, the property brings a full lineup of entertainment outdoors, featuring a pool, kitchen, fireplace, bar and abundant seating. For founding principal and lead architect William Court, the challenge was finding a place for everything without taking away from the scenery.
“All of that stuff has to sort of commingle together, but not feel like it’s in the way of the views,” he says. “The connectivity becomes really important, but so does maintaining those views and the natural light within the spaces.”
The homeowners also requested a small turf field to share the sport with their young children. “He sort of envisioned teaching the kids soccer as they grow up,” Court says.
Altogether, the backyard is a retreat of its own, bringing rest, recreation and gathering together against a serene Lowcountry backdrop.
