The day has finally arrived for the reveal of our Creekside Colonial Backyard! This project has truly been a labor of love, and as it’s my own personal space, I’ve enjoyed every step of designing it and envisioning how we want to live and feel in this new outdoor area.
To really appreciate the transformation, let’s start at the beginning with the “before” image. Our backyard was an underutilized space that always left us wondering how to make the most of it. While I dreamed of having a pool or hot tub, other areas of our home always took priority. Over the 8 years we’ve lived here, we’ve tackled projects gradually, and the backyard always seemed to be on the back burner. It wasn’t until this past spring that we began to shape a true vision for the space.
(our rendering of the yard we designed everything off of)
Our idea took form when we considered utilizing the side yard with an E2000 Swim Spa from Endless Pools. The compact size was ideal for our yard, and although it’s smaller than a traditional pool, it provides exactly what we need—space to play, exercise, relax, and bond together as a family for years to come.
We are incredibly grateful to have partnered with Endless Pools on this project. The concept of a swim spa intrigued us from the moment we built our home, and knowing we’d be able to use it year-round made it even more appealing. We’ve already enjoyed the under water treadmill and Hydrodrive™ current for aquatic exercise, and the hot tub has been perfect for family relaxation. The kids use it every chance they get, and it’s quickly become a game changer for our family.
When we finished our basement, we used the Jade Stone Blend from Stoneworld Supply , and even after all these years, I still love it. I knew I wanted to incorporate that same stone into our outdoor space. I’ve always admired old stone houses with timeless character, and I wanted to bring that feeling to our home. We added a stone chimney and extended the Jade Stone Blend to wrap around our mudroom. It has completely transformed the exterior, warming it up and giving it a much more charming, custom feel.
We also chose Sunroc Cobblestone Pavers in Granite for the patio, which brings in the European vibe we were aiming for.
To make full use of the space, we decided to add a pizza oven, ultimately choosing the Empava. The stainless steel fits seamlessly into the design without competing with other elements, and the large cooking area allows us to create pizzas big enough to feed a crowd. I love that it’s on wheels, so we can easily move it around as needed. The door feature helps maintain the perfect cooking temperature.
On the lower level of our yard, we’ve created a private oasis. We extended the fireplace bump-out from our home’s interior unit to create an outdoor fireplace, using the Jade Stone Blend again, and added a gas lantern. Gas lanterns are magical, and while I’d love to have them everywhere, the one on our chimney adds just the right amount of charm. We also have a dining table and a small greenhouse here—this little nook is where I often retreat for some quiet time.
This backyard project has been such a fulfilling journey, and we’re thrilled with how it has turned into the beautiful retreat we’ve always dreamed of.
Vendors – Swim Spa – Endless Pools E2000, Stone – Stoneworld Supply Jade Stone Blend, Fireplace & Install – Firstclass Fireplaces, Contractor – Eric Mecham, Pavers – Sunroc Cobblestone Pavers in Granite, Pizza Oven – Empava
*In compliance with FTC guidelines, please be aware that we are working in collaboration with Endless Pools. All opinions expressed in relation to this product are my own.
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