6 Dream Poolside Retreats

As the temperature creeps toward 90 degrees Fahrenheit today, I am dreaming of being able doing the Nestea plunge in a pool in my own backyard. As the dream expands, I imagine a beautifully appointed pool house where I can settle among pillows covered in Trina Turk fabric in my bathing suit and stylish Tory Burch tunic (I don't actually own either), grab some unsweet tea from the wet bar and write my ideabooks while I cool off.

Alas, it's just a sweltering day's daydream, but cruising through the beautiful pool houses on Houzz helps enhance it. Whether you're planning to make your pool plans come to fruition or just want to join me in the dream, I hope these six diverse pool houses will cool you off and take you away for a few minutes today.

1. Greek revival in the Connecticut countryside. Symmetrical pergolas add outdoor wings to this classical pool house by Crisp Architects. This architectural trick expands the pool house's proportions to the right scale for this landscape.


Pleasing proportions inside include a vaulted ceiling that makes the space feel much larger, while custom built-ins provide storage that keeps clutter at bay. Bluestone floors create continuity between indoors and out.

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French doors with transom windows overhead bring loads of natural light into the indoor space and provide easy access to the outdoor rooms underneath the pergolas.

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2. Rural appeal in New Jersey. This barn guest house/pool house by Arturo Palombo Architecture was one of Houzzers' favorite Houzz Tours so far. Built using the timbers from a historic (but about-to-fall-down) barn on the property, it suits the new landscape and pool to a T.


Fresh transitional style honors the vast, open space and draws the eye to the original structural components, beautiful rough-hewn posts and beams.

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3. Classic proportions outside Atlanta. This brick pool house's symmetry and centered siting behind the pool anchor the entire poolscape in the backyard. The house was a collaboration between architect Cynthia Karegeannes, interior designer Beth Weltlich and contractor Innovative Construction.


The family wanted a fun hangout space complete with a galley kitchen, a billiards table, an exercise room, a bathroom and even a putting green.


The outdoor space on this covered porch has year-round appeal; when it's too chilly for a dip, the family can gather by the outdoor fireplace and watch postseason football games.

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4. Modern gothic in Nashville. This spectacular pool house, designed by Jamie Beckwith, is thrilling for oenophiles but perhaps terrifying for those with vertigo. The clear floor here lets guests see through to the Gothic-inspired wine cellar below, tricked out with Lucite wine storage and LED lighting.


Rich textures give this room an elegant look, while finishes and fabrics were made for wet feet and damp suits.


Another stunning feature is this solid walnut bathtub with birdseye maple inlay trim.

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5. Casual comfort in a California garage. When this Northern California family began to outgrow their cottage, they looked to their extra-large garage for more space. The resulting pool house, built by Bill Fry Construction, is a favorite place where the kids hang out with their friends for games and movie nights.

The existing garage was so large that they still have space for their cars on the other side.


The home has an efficient wet bar, outfitted for grabbing poolside drinks and snacks.


For those who don't want to tromp all the way through the pool house to reach the luxurious steam shower, a convenient outdoor shower was added during the pool house renovation.

See the rest of this garage conversion


6. Minimalist pavilion in a dazzling Australian backyard. This stunning contemporary landscape by Rolling Stones Landscapes incorporates a contemporary pavilion that blurs the lines between inside and out.


Under and around the pavilion is cooking, dining and lounging space.


The pavilion provides shade and comfort during the day, and there's a cozy glow at night via the outdoor fireplace.

See more of this amazing backyard


More: Check out five other modern pool houses and pavilions

URL: 6 Dream Poolside Retreats http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-18372.html