10 Gorgeous Courtyards From Mod to Moroccan

A house with a courtyard just may be the (totally unofficial) dream home in temperate locales the world over. An area without a roof, enclosed either completely or partially by the walls of a building, provides a cool, secluded space for outdoor lounging and entertaining. Beyond the appeal of the courtyard itself, including this design feature means a boost in natural light and indoor-outdoor flow. See if one of these 10 homes with courtyards, from one with a cool pool in Miami to a tiled Moroccan oasis, is worthy of your style file.

1. Miami Mod

With views of the pool from nearly every room in the house, this Florida home is all about indoor-outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors can open up to create a seamless flow. And check out that walkway right across the pool!


Here you can see a view of the pool from inside the home — notice how the slick white floors and tall pillars echo the reflective pool and palms outside.

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2. Glamorous Pool

Arches adorned with flowing blue curtains, high balconies and an unusual C-shaped pool make this space especially captivating. Imagine sitting on the upper balcony, catching a cool breeze, while gazing at the pool below … bliss!


In another part of the same courtyard, a tree adds shade and lush green color, while a tall table and grill provide everything needed for al fresco feasts.


3. Moroccan Tiled

In this traditional Moroccan courtyard, pattern upon pattern of hand-painted tiles are layered to stunning effect. Want to bring this look home? Tile is a natural complement to white stucco — try mixing two to four different patterns in the same colorway. Finish with a boldly patterned rug and low-slung, loungeworthy furniture.



4. Eichler Cool

This classic midcentury Eichler home was updated with a sleek courtyard makeover. A Japanese maple was added for color and shade, and simple, streamlined furnishings were brought in.

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5. Contemporary Courtyard

Stretching the boundaries of what a courtyard is, this spacious outdoor dining space is set between two buildings on the property.

Houzz Tour: Stunning Berkeley Courtyard House


5. Stately Arches

Columns and arches set the stage for a luxurious courtyard pool in this grand Houston home. Climbing vines suggest coolness — a much-desired feature in the hot Texas summers!



Taking a step back, we see a spacious dining area beneath the eaves of the house, with a view of the pool.

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6. Classic Mediterranean

This Santa Ynez, California, home has a central courtyard complete with a tiled fountain, about as classic as it gets. The shade provided from all four sides of the house (plus the lush plantings) keeps the interior of the courtyard cooler, even when it’s scorching outside. In a space like this, you could set up small tables for dining on the stone patio or beneath the overhangs close to the house.


7. Rambling Patio

With a home this large, the courtyard has room to sprawl out, forming several distinct outdoor rooms — dining area, fountain and fireplace. Mood lighting creates a warm and welcoming ambience for evening entertaining.



8. Zen Garden

Austere in its simplicity, this enclosed courtyard garden would make a wonderful spot in which to decompress. A single Japanese maple and a low row of hedges are the only green spots in this Zen-like space; the crisp geometry of the stone and gravel completes the picture.


Looking from inside the house during the day, you can see how light pours from the courtyard into the interior rooms, and how the courtyard provides an enticing private outdoor spot in which to relax.

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9. Urban Courtyard

Having a private outdoor space in the city is something many urbanites dream of. This courtyard gets a boost in character from vibrant blue trim on the windows and from climbing vines.


10. Hidden Entrance

Come through the gate into this entry courtyard and you feel instantly transported to a serene hideaway. Paths, pines and native plantings create a beautiful, drought-tolerant landscape.

Tell us: Share a photo of your own courtyard — or your dream courtyard — in the Comments.

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