Take it outside: The perfect outdoor oasis
When an intimate infinity pool and spa and surrounding terraces are tiered to embrace southwestern coastal views, paradise prevails on every level.
Story by Paula Magrini + Photo by J. Savage Gibson
Whether entertaining friends, hosting a family celebration or simply relaxing alongside water views, the style and functionality of your outdoor spaces matter. With these intuitive suggestions from Court Atkins Group, discover how to optimize your outdoor living experience.
Engage the environment
Iconic outdoor living spaces require careful planning, with attention to community setbacks, location of trees and other natural Lowcountry treasures. Rather than treating these factors as obstacles, we’ve suggested a harmonious approach. “We wanted the house to unfold on the site as you experience it,” said Court Atkins President William Court. “But we also wanted to maximize privacy while capturing the best possible views of the natural surroundings that bless Spring Island in abundance.” Hence the home is strategically tucked among native trees. Its two secluded wings rise gracefully above the island’s lowland terrain, embracing views with plentiful interior windows and this expansive, yet protected, outdoor living oasis.
Elevate the views
Our Spring Island clients selected their home site with waterfront in mind. Brian and Carol Eidt imagined floor plans with panoramic water views as the centerpiece. Breathtaking sunsets determined the orientation of outdoor living spaces, resulting in a unique tiered terrace design. Each tier offers the homeowners a different perspective of their coastal enclave. In efforts to optimize each tier, we placed the premium outdoor living space on the top level where an outdoor chef’s kitchen and herb garden connect to gracious seating and lounging areas, complete with stunning views that linger even as the sun dips below the horizon.
Introduce ambience
Because most Lowcountry homeowners are focused on outdoor living spaces, outside amenities are a priority. The goal at the Eidts’ island retreat was to keep comfort, convenience and Lowcountry nuance in the waterfront mix. Our builder partner, Element Construction, described how exterior features accomplished this. “Each level of the tiered outdoor living spaces was specifically designed by function with a purpose,” said Element Partner Andrea Eldred. “We included a state-of-the-art cascading pool and spa, upper-level grill station, built in planters for seasonal blooms and greenery, plus an iconic lower-level fire kettle for evening gatherings and glimpses of the bucks and does grazing at dusk,” she added.