GARDEN DESIGN
PERSONAL PRIVATE RESORT: DESIGNING A FIVE-STAR STAYCATION GARDEN
With more of the nation looking to spend holidays within the UK, curating the perfect private garden that provides resort-level escapism has shifted towards the top of homeowners’ priority list. Optimising investments in outdoor areas has encouraged homeowners to develop luxury spaces that offer the calm, sensory experience usually associated with travel destinations.
A recent Swimming Pool Trends Report from Compass Pools by Waterstream, drawing research from 2,000 UK homeowners, revealed that more than a quarter of UK homeowners view the swimming pool as the ultimate luxury lifestyle asset, ahead of state-of-the-art gyms or home cinemas.
This aspirational desire comes from a rise in the popularity of staycations and the increase in homeworking, encouraging more time in the home environment. As the summer approaches, achieving a perfect personalised garden space that combines the beauty and functionality of a holiday destination is the next step for making the most of time spent at home.
The Pool as Architectural Anchor The most premium hotels prioritise guest enjoyment throughout their spaces, making sure each area has a purpose. Swimming pools are a prominent feature in these outdoor spaces, and are often zoned to encourage synthesis between spaces. Moving between the hotel amenities, you will often find the pool at the centre, supporting the sense of peace or active enjoyment sought from holiday retreats.
The same approach can be used in residential settings, using discreet, precision planning to make the most of compact spaces. Using the pool as the architectural focal point and planning your garden with this in mind helps inform the flow of pathing, views, planting and key entertaining areas. The pool can provide structure and stillness, letting surrounding garden elements settle naturally around it.
Material Continuity and Restrained Colour A defining characteristic of resortstyle gardens is subtle and nuanced colour choices that complement the theme used throughout the interior and exterior. The recent Compass Pools trend report found that contemporary pool design has shifted away from high-contrast surfaces in favour of deeper tones that respond to light and landscape. Compass Pools’ Nova ® colour range, an advanced gel-coat system with
4 www. landud. co. uk Follow us @ ludmagazine