English garden pool


A contemporary garden design with a natural swim pool |

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Winner of Homes & Garden's Best Garden Reader Award 2021, this garden realises the harmonious balance between architecture and outdoor setting, which is best achieved when they are designed concurrently.

With architectural plans for the house on the drawing board, the ambitious and cohesive garden design was formulated, with shared ambitions regarding style, space, function and materials. 

Be inspired by the landscaping and planting design tips for your own garden ideas.

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

The concept of a formal, geometric but natural swim pool idea, strategically in line with the architecture and using the same materials of the house, was central to the entire design. 

Garden designer Anthea Harrison was challenged to devise a scheme which elevated the status of the pool to become the garden’s main feature.

‘Aesthetically more ‘classical water feature idea’ than swim pool, this dual-purpose, reflective body of water creates apparent movement as clouds race across the sky, its mirror-glass face magically bounces shards of light right into the house,’ reveals owner Jo Carter.

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Working with the garden's sloping contours

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

On a more practical level, the need to filter, clean and recirculate water, became an integral part of the design. 

‘The pebble-filled rills are dramatically stepped to accommodate the sloping garden's natural contours, and draw water, by gravity, down through the garden to a semicircular filtration pool deftly disguised by water-purifying reeds and species Iris pseudocorus,’ explains Anthea. 

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

A waterfall clean cut pathway follows the geometry of the water-filled rill towards a circular seating area and fire pit beneath mature Blue Atlas cedar, Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’. 

A rich tapestry of textured verdant planting is pricked with white Astrantia major, blue Iris sibirica ‘Caesars Brother’, purple Salvia nemerosa ‘‘Ostfriesland’, lime flowered Lady’s Mantle, Alchemilla mollis.  

The rest of the garden pivots around this intricate and aesthetic water system, with key elements sited according to convenience, aspect and vistas.

A garden in harmony with its surroundings

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

The overarching scheme sought to transform the 3.5 acre, grass-filled plot, while treasuring ancient majestic trees and wide open vistas of open countryside.

‘We wanted to create an intimate garden, in harmony with our natural surroundings, with different levels or spaces where we could enjoy some solitude, relax, bathe or swim and comfortably entertain,’ explains owner Jo Carter.

A rich tapestry of textured verdant planting blends into the landscape beyond.

(Image credit: Annaick guitteny)

An informal earth garden path idea wends through the tree-lined stroll garden. Here Acer platanoides ‘Princeton Gold’ and white-legged silver birch, Betula utilis jacquemontii are under planted with shade tolerant perennials including Iris ‘Cliffs of Dover’, Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother,’  purple-spired Salvia caradonna, Veronicastrum lavendelturm.

Naturalistic planting design includes waves of Euphorbia wulfenii and fountaining grasses, Stipa tenuissima, Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinace ‘Transparent’ and Stipa gigantica.

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

A subtle change of touch ensures the landscaping and planting, more formal in proximity to the house, become increasingly informal as the gardens drift outwards to sit comfortably in the context of the outlying countryside. 

The chiselled-stone terraces and steps around the pool and rill garden are replaced by meandering hoggin pathways in the stroll garden.

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Structural blocks of clean-clipped yew hedging in the upper garden give way to lower-lying, more decorative yew topiary domes tucked in among fountaining ornamental grasses and mounded perennials. 

Use of screens to create 'rooms'

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

The area has been loosely partitioned using garden screening ideas to create ‘open’ rooms, airy spaces, artfully divided using decorative laser-cut or solid Corten steel screens.  

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

The screens gently restrain the garden’s more formal elements while funnelling the view towards specific focal points or garden vistas. 

Outdoor living areas conveniently placed

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

With clever use of garden zoning, the outdoor kitchen and outdoor dining areas and areas for relaxing and enjoying the views, are conveniently and compatibly placed in proximity to the house. 

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

The broad, raised terrace, overlooking the pool and wider garden, caters for entertaining in numbers, large or small. A double row of young planes provides dappled shade for diners, replacing the planned trio of mulberries which ‘fell short’ of the task. 

Planting of successional blooms for a long season of interest

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

The summer garden bustles with a gargantuan matrix of 5,000 seasonal and successional plants.  

‘The scale of the planting is immense,’ reveals Anthea, delighted that the owners insisted on voluminous swathes of planting in place of more usual expanses of grass. ‘The original brief was for low-maintenance garden border ideas, but the sheer volume of plants requires the full-time attention of a gardener,’ explains Jo.

‘The garden constantly evolves as we make our own mark, introducing new flowering plants where a few original plants have failed.’ 

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

The breadth, intensity and style of the planting seemingly absorbs and cushions the weight of the hard landscaping features. As a result, an exquisite tapestry of texture, form and color rolls seamlessly outwards from the house, wrapping around a variety of seating areas designed to catch the rising midday or setting sun. 

Different planting color palettes

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Jo has driven the striking overlay of color, with different garden color schemes for each area.  

Vivacious and intense reds, oranges and yellows color the ‘hot borders’ in closest proximity to the house, while gentler, softer tones, blues and white grace the more distant planting. 

The overall result is a beautifully crafted garden, perfectly designed for solitude or sharing.

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Garden designer Anthea Harrison advises on how to incorporate key elements into the garden with minimal impact.

A creative freelance writer, stylist and photographer, Jacky Hobbs has created home and garden features for prestigious lifestyle magazines for over two decades. 

An earlier career travelling the world as a fashion and homeware buyer developed her passion for lifestyle, interiors, vintage, travel and later gardens.  

37 Best Swimming Pool Designs 2022 – Gorgeous Backyard Pool Ideas

Every item on this page was carefully chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

No passport or reservations required.

By Steele Marcoux

Douglas Friedman

A beautiful backyard pool can be as calming for your mind as it is refreshing for your body. Even the view of tranquil water, whether from inside your home or from your garden, patio, or porch, can soothe the soul.

From minimalist modern swimming pool designs to more formal, elaborate styles, the key to creating a sophisticated swimming pool is to complement the landscape rather than compete with it. This is true of almost any backyard design idea, from pergolas and gazebos to garden sheds. One of the best ways to nestle a pool into the landscape is to carefully choose plant materials surrounding it. Planning a pool in full sun? Consider surrounding with drought-tolerant plants and cool decking materials. For a cooler watering hole, lush up the landscape with plants that thrive in the shade.

Next, you'll want to think through how to furnish your pool deck. It's important to choose outdoor furniture that's comfortable, durable, and suitable to the style of your pool design. Of course, no pool would be complete without plush beach towels. And for a whimsical touch, embellish your pool with a charming outdoor fountain or a stylish garden ornament.

If you’re making plans for summer or simply dreaming of it on a dreary winter day, dive into these serene swimming pool designs for a luxurious escape.

Maureen M. Evans

1 of 37

Refreshing Talavera

At the home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, he shares with husband and business partner Andrew Fisher, designer Jeffry Weisman lined the pool with brilliant with deep lapis blue Talavera tiles.

John Sutton

2 of 37

Poolside Edible Garden

At this Ross, California, home, landscape architect Erica Timbrell refinished an existing pool and chose gray limestone pavers as decking to extend into the living spaces, including where a dining terrace is framed by a pair of L-shaped garden beds. Strawberries, mint, and shishito peppers grow in wattle-enclosed beds alongside Incrediball hydrangeas, Agastache, and Hidcote lavender.

LISA ROMEREIN

3 of 37

Old-World Elegance

In the pool garden of this Santa Monica home, mature kumquat trees bookend a fireside sitting room designed by landscape architect Scott Shrader. The pool loungers are from RH.

Douglas Friedman

4 of 37

Sunny and Sleek

At this Dallas home, the design team of designer Meredith McBrearty, architect Ryan Street, and landscape architect Bill Bauer channeled the original house's midcentury roots with a sleek pool that features a dark blue-green bottom and coping flush with the water. A pair of vintage Willy Guhl loop chairs sits pretty at one end.

THOMAS LOOF

5 of 37

Poolside Prep

Like a Slim Aarons photo, the pool at this Naples, Florida home designed by Summer Thornton is steeped in glamour, from the large white planters and flush coping to the teak pool loungers (Sutherland) and patterned umbrellas (Sunbeam Jackie).

MANOLO LANGIS

6 of 37

A European Air

At this home in West Hollywood, landscape architect Anna Hoffman designed a pool and outdoor living space that channel the vibe of a European estate. The pool decking is French limestone and the poolside living room is shaded by an alderwood pergola.

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

7 of 37

Verdant Surroundings

At this Bronxville, New York, home designed by Carrier and Company, the pool is tucked into a lush, verdant corner of the backyard. A trio of lilac standards flourishes in a tidy poolside bed of Franklin’s Gem hedges. Chaise longues, Country Casual Teak.

DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

8 of 37

Ranch Revival

Iconic vintage furniture and cheerful pops of red enliven the pool terrace of this California wine country home designed by Ken Fulk. Tubular 1940s rockers by Walter Lamb are from the estate of screen legend Shirley Temple. Chaises, RH. Cushion fabric, Sunbrella.

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

9 of 37

Woodland Watering Hole

Francesco Lagnese

10 of 37

Cabana Classic

At this Connecticut home, a verdant lawn surrounds the pool to cooling effects. An outdoor fireplace and teak dining table (Summit Furniture) turn the poolhouse, designed by David Netto, into the de facto summer dining room. Lounge and Adirondack chairs, Loll Designs.

Douglas Friedman

11 of 37

Old Florida Glamour

At this Naples, Florida, home designed by Celerie Kemble, a knife-edge pool sits flush with a coral stone deck that overlooks Gordon Pass. Beneath a canopy of coconut palms, an emerald privacy screen of areca, traveler’s, fishtail, and cat palms flourishes. Chaise lounges, Celerie Kemble for Lane Venture. Umbrella, Santa Barbara Designs.

William Abranowicz

12 of 37

Artistic Touch

Beyond the dining terrace and pool at this Hamptons retreat designed by Alex Papachristidis, a cast bronze and gilt garden sculpture rises up over clipped bayberry hedges. Table and chairs, Antique & Artisan Gallery.

Eric Kruk Photography

13 of 37

Home Turf

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury knows a thing or two about home field advantage. Case in point: his backyard in Paradise Valley, Arizona, which features a pool terrance comprising a clean grid pattern of turf and hardscape that echoes the home’s geometric architecture. Beyond the pool, the outdoor pavilion includes a pool bath and a gourmet kitchen equipped with a grill.

Tria Giovan

14 of 37

Cottage Charm

At this Connecticut waterfront home designed by Cathy Kincaid, the pool and stone terrace creates an ideal spot for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even cocktails, thanks to a cedar pool pavilion inspired by the owners’ antique birdhouse.

DAVID TSAY

15 of 37

Made in the Shade

At this Newport Beach, California, home designed by Peter Dunham, a rectangular pool enjoys respite from the sun, thanks to a canopy of pine trees. The chaise cushion fabric is from Peter Dunham Textiles, and the pink pillow fabric is Fermoie.

Durston Saylor

16 of 37

Splendor in the Grass

At this former Christmas tree farm in Millbrook, New York, landscape architect Janice Parker surrounded the pool with a grassy deck to play up its rural setting. "Setting the pool in grass helps avoid the 'suburbanization' of a landscape," says Parker. Potted topiaries at the corners finish the look with elegance.

Scott Shigley

17 of 37

Eternal Sunshine

Landscape design firm Hoerr Schaudt surrounded this Montecito, California, swimming pool with drought-tolerant plants like lavender and agave that not only thrive in full sun but also look right at home in the arid, coastal setting.

Charles Mayer

18 of 37

Low Profile

This Long Island, New York, garden, designed by Hollander Design Landscape Architects, features a rimless pool that fits right into the flat farmland landscape. For texture and privacy surrounding the pool, Hollander installed Annabelle hydrangeas, a manicured hedge, and an allée of crepe myrtles.

Tara Donne

19 of 37

Lined with Lanterns

At Jenna Bush Hager's Long Island cottage, an enchanting backyard pool is all set for weekend company, thanks to large wicker lanterns from Amanda Lindroth, a vintage iron patio set finished with cushions from Perennials, and block-printed table linens also from Amanda Lindroth.

Paul Hester

20 of 37

In the Round

At this Houston estate designed by Curtis & Windham Architects with Windfohr Design, a round pool was inspired by the Rodin Museum in Paris. A bronze elephant fountain (Dan Ostermiller) and Canary Island date palms emphasize a feeling of exoticism and whimsy.

Sargent Architectural Photography

21 of 37

Nice Curves

A photograph of a fountain edge at the Taj Mahal inspired the sinuous curves of the garden, designed by Mario Nievera of Nievera Williams Landscape Architecture, surrounding this rectangular pool at the 2020 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach.

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

22 of 37

Temple on the Hill

This Hudson Valley, New York, pool is finished at one end with a pool house modeled after a temple and terraced into the hill "like a secret folly," says architect Cynthia Filkoff. The chaise lounges and umbrellas are from RH.

Francesco Lagnese

23 of 37

Pattern Play

The swimming pool at this historic Palm Beach home designed by Susan Zises Green features a geometric pattern made of light and dark tiles that echoes the the exterior's alternating bands of brick and coral stone.

Melanie Acevedo

24 of 37

Lap of Luxury

A terraced lawn sets this simple, sophisticated rectangular swimming pool apart from the Bahamas estate designed by Miles Redd. A screen of palms at each end of the pool provides privacy.

Thomas Loof

25 of 37

Lawn Games

At this West Palm Beach home, designer Lars Bolander ran the lawn right up to the swimming pool coping for a more natural effect, amplified by the reflection of coconut palms in the water.

MAX KIM-BEE

26 of 37

Advanced Geometry

At this Southern California home designed by Mark D. Sikes, geometric details, such as the pool deck's grid pattern made of pavers and ground cover, lend modern energy to this backyard pool. Chaise lounges covered in a cheerful Maria Flora striped outdoor fabric plus a wave-pattern tile border provide a playful contrast to the formal Spanish Mediterranean architecture. The umbrellas are from RH.

BJORN WALLANDER

27 of 37

Lush Life

A mix of coconut palm trees, sago palms, bougainvillea, ground cover, and pavers surround this Palm Beach estate swimming pool in a celebration of its natural surroundings. A pair of slender steps at the sides of the pool, as opposed to steps that run across the entirety of the end of the pool, allows for larger swimming space.

Alexandre Bailhache

28 of 37

Hedge Fun

A manicured hedge surrounds the swimming pool portion of this 65-acre farm in Provence, restored by landscape architect Dominique Lafourcade, architect Alexandre Lafourcade, and interior designer Susan Bednar Long. Slender cypres de Florence soften the surroundings of the new swimming pool and help it fit into the context of the nearby 200-year-old farmhouse.

MAX KIM-BEE

29 of 37

Infinity and Beyond

This Hamptons home designed by architect Steven Harris and landscape architect David Kelly features a dark-bottom infinity pool surrounded by a pond, which extends the soothing watery vista.

Mali Azima

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Classic Details

A Greek key mosaic-tile border, symmetrical landscaping, and a new pool pavilion set off by fluted columns reinforce the timeless style of this 1934 Regency-style home in Atlanta, originally designed by architect Philip Trammell Schutze and restored by architect Yong Pak, landscape design firm Land Plus Associates, and interior designer Melanie Turner. The home exterior is painted Super White by Sherwin-Williams; the shutters are Farrow & Ball's Pitch Black.

35 Serene White Bedroom Ideas

Steele Marcoux Editor in Chief, VERANDA Steele Marcoux is the Editor in Chief at VERANDA, covering design trends, architecture, and travel for the brand.

English garden of your dreams | "England"

Today, in order to recreate a true English garden design, homeowners spend untold thousands of pounds. After all, scattering perennials here and there, laying winding paths and making it all look like in a fairy tale about Peter Pan, but abandoned, as if it had been growing for decades, is worth a lot.

Styles of landscape design

Experts distinguish 14 different styles in English landscape design, among them there are French, Italian, abstract and even postmodern - there is where to disperse and where to get confused. In order for the decoration of your home to be consistent in style, consistent with the concept of good taste and at the same time not violate the numerous and sometimes very incomprehensible laws of the kingdom, it is worth engaging a trusted construction and design company to work. Her staff should include not only gardeners and artists, but also good lawyers, because even a garden, as part of a residential building, is subject to many restrictions.

One of these organizations, the construction company G7, has been successfully operating in the British and European construction markets for many years, they perfectly understand how to build a house from scratch, how to obtain renovation permits, and how to ennoble the site around the building, turning it into luxurious or modest - at the request of the customer - a garden.

Choosing a company

When choosing a company to work with, you should pay attention not only to the “beauty” of its portfolio, but also to whether it is only individuals who order projects from it, or whether it cooperates with organizations as well. The presence of corporate customers in the portfolio means that the company has the full range of necessary licenses, the ability to use advanced materials and technologies, and also that its designers and decorators understand modern trends in landscape art.

Specialists of the G7 construction company are engaged not only in landscaping and landscape design, but they can install a pool on the site, work out the entire exterior of the house, create an artificial relief, zone the garden and at the same time preserve the spirit and individuality of the site.

Garden redesign and renovation

What's more, if your home requires not only a garden redesign but also a complete redesign and renovation, it's best to find a company that does the full range of turnkey construction work. The G7 construction company has a huge staff of specialists in various fields, and they will be able to quickly and efficiently create a drawing, plan the territory and even show you the future house and garden at the construction stage, as well as take care of all the necessary documents. On average, a home renovation and landscaping project can be completed in just 7-10 months, which is a record short time by UK standards.

Building a swimming pool: prestigious and affordable

Today, pool construction services are becoming more and more popular and affordable. Not only hotel owners, where the pool has already become an indispensable integral part of high-quality service, but also the owners of private houses in England are increasingly thinking about their own pool. Among the advantages are pleasure, health benefits and, of course, a certain prestige: a private pool is a sign of solidity and well-being. Just imagine what kind of summer parties you can arrange on a hot day in the garden by the pool!

To select and install a pool with high quality, as well as to "fit" it into the interior of your garden, it is better to turn to professionals, a pool is a complex engineering complex in which the processes of stepwise water filtration, disinfection and temperature maintenance are constantly taking place. Only experienced specialists will build, install and equip the perfect pool.

Any, even the most daring project, can be implemented if you find the right helpers in this difficult task. Just imagine what kind of garden you want, what your dream home should look like, and trust the professionals!

G7 is a professional construction company with over 11 years of experience: qualified staff, reliable partners and suppliers, democratic pricing policy, more than 200 completed projects, guarantee for work performed - up to 10 years

Calling a specialist is free. Call us today: 02038086949

www.g7.ltd

8 Kew Bridge Rd, London, TW8 0FJ


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