For some, the kitchen is the heart of the home, but for this Naples family of five, the central hub is the backyard. The husband-and-wife homeowners wanted a backyard that was a relaxing sanctuary and an exciting playground for their three young children. They fancied a home that felt like a lush haven, a sort of island retreat without having to actually go away. Lucas Lagoons, along with MHK Architecture & Planning, Adelyn Charles Interiors and Potter Homes, delivered with a home reminiscent of a luxury Caribbean resort.
The couple loves Animal Planet’s Insane Pools: Off the Deep End, which follows Englewood-based Lucas Lagoons’ owner, Lucas Congdon, and his team as they build unbelievably whimsical pools for clients throughout Florida. So, when the two decided to demolish the existing house on their 3.23-acre lot, they turned to Lucas to create a 360-degree design for the river-adjacent property, which also includes a front yard fountain and zen garden overlooking the bathroom in the primary suite.
The backyard is anchored by a large pool with a grotto. Lucas traveled to Tennessee with his clients to select the stones—150 tons of Tennessee fieldstone boulders, designed to accommodate the commercial, 38-foot-long waterslide and eight-person hot tub. The rocks also provide a jumping-off point over the waterfall and into the 8-foot-deep turquoise water. Swimmers lounge around the grotto’s secluded, eight-person seating and the sun shelf with white Tropitone chaise loungers. A sunken fire pit, made from natural limestone and Tremron pavers, sits adjacent to the pool overlooking the putting green, a playful domain for kids and adults. “They didn’t want this to look like your typical Florida pool,” Alex Thies, owner of Adelyn Charles Interiors, says. “They wanted to embrace the natural environment of the house and feel like it was a part of the natural landscape—and also make it really fun.”
In step with the landscape’s effortless luxury, low-key maintenance was also essential for the busy clan. The backyard’s artificial turf eliminates mowing needs and holds up in high-traffic areas. The home’s interior neutral palette plays off the surrounding nature and extends outside with the outdoor kitchen’s driftwood-hued cabinets and the island’s quartzite countertop with delicate black and gray veining. To create a seamless flow to the exterior, Alex used a durable wood-like tile that matches the interior’s wood flooring. Finishing off the backyard’s living area, Alex used a mix of Serena & Lily and RH pieces in neutral shades with pops of navy blue and installed a mister system for ultimate cooling.
At the end of the day, the home’s design team created more than a stunning poolscape. They delivered a tropical paradise where they can make endless memories.
