A Planter Became an Infinity Pool in this River Club Backyard Renovation

Careful design choices honor this home’s original gardens while expanding its outdoor experience with a guest casita and a planter-turned-pool.

Story by Alea Wilkins
Photos by Ellis Creek Photography

The majesty of this River Club backyard would be incomplete without its expansive gardens. Lush greenery pervades the setting, enlivening the space with perfectly manicured plantings and decorative planters. The impressive bend of a live oak branch completes the frame.

For this grand outdoor space, part of a full-scale renovation by Group 3 and Pyramids, the owners wanted to preserve as much of the original landscaping as possible. First designed by Group 3 more than 20 years ago, the outdoor fireplace, gazebo and courtyard walls remained intact, but the gardens needed a refresh, and the new homeowners had a wish list of their own. While fulfilling those requests, the gardens were restored through creative solutions, like turning a planter into a swimming pool, while blending the Lowcountry’s natural beauty with formal Mediterranean design.

Take the plunge

To soak up the peaceful view of Broad Creek year-round, the homeowners wanted to add a pool feature to the backyard. Property constraints limited room for expansion, and the garden was too beautiful to destroy. The discussion was, ‘How can we get a pool in here without ruining the whole feel of the backyard?’” Ruegamer says. The answer? “One of the planters was transformed into a pool.” Now, it’s the perfect spot to cool off during hot summers, serving as a centerpiece that delivers comfort while enhancing its surroundings.

Warm-weather welcome

Locals already know the upsides of living in the South. Another perk? Our climate makes guest houses a viable option for large-scale hosting. Because the homeowners often welcome friends, family and out-of-town business partners, Group 3 designed a guest house that gives visitors a private place to stay without requiring a hotel reservation. The architect notes this is a special luxury afforded by the Lowcountry climate. “You may not build a separate guest house in Canada, where it’s snowing half the year, but in our weather, it’s nice to have a space that’s separate but still on- property,” he says.