The Great Outdoors

Summertime … or wintertime … and the living is easy. Unlike our Northern neighbors, Southwest Florida homeowners aren’t locked into a finite time frame when it comes to outdoor relaxation. The average year-round temperature in our part of the world is an enviable 77 degrees, which leads to year-round fun—or relaxing down time—under the sun or stars.
Helping facilitate maximum enjoyment of the outdoors in the past often meant installing ordinary rectangular swimming pools tucked behind equally bland ranchers. But today’s better builders and astute landscape architects are not just coming up with dramatic residential designs; they are also creating exciting back- and front-yard exterior space as extensions of the home.
Pools are frequently one-of-a-kind and sport glamorous water features such as water-spitting fountains. They’re surrounded by unique patios, pergolas, decks, gazebos and courtyards. State-of-the-art wet bar settings, kitchens and dining rooms have become the norm outside, rather than the exception.
In assembling this feature on ultimate outdoor rooms, we zeroed in on some of the best of the best. Why not mix up a mai tai, kick back and catch up on the latest trends in exterior design? It sure beats wielding a snow scraper.

Master Bath Garden
Ah, wouldn’t Cleopatra’s legendary milk baths with oil of jasmine and ylang ylang pale in comparison? This master bath garden, right, in a Pelican Landing estate home in Estero offers a huge carrera marble shower overlooking a (very) private garden where one of eight water features—beginning at the center of the driveway—adds to the serene ambiance. Water gently spills from a charming art deco demilune plinth straight into a basin, which affords built-in stone benches. In addition, the outdoor screened area incorporates a two-story gazebo, bar and cooking area, with spiral stairs for viewing the creek below. Other water-related amenities run the gamut from a natural-rock waterfall that cascades into the pool augmented with suspended natural boulders that serve as a bridge to the decking beyond, to a koi pond. Lastly, there is a waterfall with mosaic glass tiles and a figurative casting of a woman’s face. The lighted sculptural piece can be seen from the interior living space. W. Christian Busk, a Naples landscape architect, was in charge of the project’s design.

A POOL FOR ALL SEASONS
Some swimming pools seem to just sit there, not making much of a statement. But the posh custom creation, which enhances the glamour of a former Cornerstone Development model at Fiddler’s Creek, speaks volumes (p.44). According to Cornerstone’s Donna Musumano, who drew up the concept designs and commissioned Outside Products to provide the architects and engineers, everyone involved in the elaborate project went the extra mile to create an ultimate sense of peace and tranquility. Musumano hand-selected the Alabama ledge rock from Ruck Brothers and called on Agostino’s Fine Furniture for the luxurious furnishings. A special water feature was created to enhance the waterscape, which is situated in view of anyone seated in the parlor area. The designer also included an intimate seating area behind the couch for cozy tête-à-têtes.

A CASUAL, CAGE-FREE RETREAT
We love caged lanai areas, but the opposite—an unfettered pool and spa space that’s completely open to the sky—can be a refreshing back-to-nature change. This Arlington model by Gulfstream Homes, located in Black Bear Ridge, Naples, tells this tale. Note that the pool, opposite, top, conveniently contains a built-in tabletop, so your Cosmo or Coke is close at hand. Rattan furnishings in earth tones give the space an informal air, with a table and chairs surrounding a fire pit. Drought-resistant plants were used, so foliage is environmentally friendly, requiring minimal water. And uncluttered wrought-iron fencing surrounding the water features affords the homeowners and their lucky guests unrestricted views of a private, tree-filled preserve. And insects aren’t a problem; a mosquito-defense system keeps bugs at bay.

DINE UNDER THE STARS
This Grey Oaks private residence, London Bay Homes’ Fairley model, above, was designed for maximum enjoyment of our mild Southwest Florida climate. The outdoor living room, complete with a fireplace, is set beneath a vaulted ceiling of cypress. Vanishing corner sliding-glass doors open the family room to the outdoor dining area and summer kitchen. Interiors by Romanza include a medley of colors reflecting the Bermuda influence, utilizing lush tones of apricot, lime green and peach accentuated with floral fabrics. Indoors, an inviting gourmet kitchen is designed as the focal point of activity, with convenient access to the breakfast room, family room and formal dining.

ROOFTOP SUNSET TERRACE
High-rise living doesn’t get much better than this. While many developers are primarily concerned with what’s under the roof, this Lutgert Companies property—Azure at Bonita Bay—takes full advantage of the panoramic views from the 27th floor. In addition to breathtaking vistas available from each of the individual 69 tower residences and eight carriage homes, the sky’s the limit at Azure. Homeowners are just a quick elevator ride from enjoying bird’s-eye views of amazing sunsets over Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, as well as glimpses of the golf courses and nature preserves to the east. Amenities include a classic wet bar with cushy seating, barbecue grills and built-in architectural plantings with lush, tropical landscaping to attain the height of alfresco living.