Welcome to the first (and long awaited) project of our Spanish Sanctuary renovation! We’re underway on our backyard transformation, and today I’m sharing all the design details + plans we have over the coming months. Let’s dive right in!
Jump to:
Before
As you may recall from the Before Tour, this backyard is starting off quite similar to the Hacienda Hideaway.
In typical Florida fashion, we have a covered patio off the kitchen/dining room, and a modestly sized rectangular grassy area.
This yard is a bit narrower than the Hacienda, measuring around 26′ x 44′ in total.
We’ve got a lot of boxes to check off in this space, so here’s what I came up with!
The Plan
After weeks of deliberation, here’s the current plan:
The primary features include: a 10×10′ heated plunge pool, checkerboard travertine pavers, outdoor covered kitchen, large wood pergola, pool lounge and dining area, podocarpus hedge perimeter.
Let’s take a closer look at each one…
Pool
The main feature of this yard is the 10×10′ concrete plunge spool (spa/pool). We decided to go this route for several reasons:
- Heated pools and spas are highly requested by guests, even in Florida. A spool is the best of both worlds and can be used year round.
- We wanted a specific size and configuration to fit our yard, and couldn’t find the right fiberglass model.
- Our last fiberglass pool took two years to complete—concrete takes less than a month.
We still haven’t mentally recovered from the 2.5 year long Hacienda backyard renovation, so we were anxious to knock it out first at this house. The thought of a finished concrete pool in just 4 weeks was too enticing to pass up. We started this process several weeks ago and permitting took longer than expected, but things are moving right along now!
Our installer recommended PebbleTec, and I decided on their PebbleSheen finish in Desert Gold. It has a pretty sandy beach look that will go well with the travertine pavers:
I’ve spent more hours researching waterline tile than anything else for this project. I had a bunch of online samples ready to order, until I found out the tile install was scheduled to happen this week, so I had to find something locally in stock. I landed on this porcelain mosaic (will cut it in half) that’s a pretty close match to the coping.
Even at only 10×10′, the spool will cost around $53k all in. That’s nearly $16k more than our larger fiberglass pool, but I think the heated feature will be a huge selling point.
Patio
This is the very first design decision that was made many months ago. How could I not have these gorgeous checkerboard floors?!
I needed a material that could be used both on dirt and a concrete patio, and after many hours of research, landed on travertine pavers. I liked the idea of a more subtle tone on tone effect, and found these contrasting 12×12″ tumbled travertine pavers:
They seemed like a pretty great deal at $3.99/sf, though after overseas freight, taxes and forklift rental, the total came to $6,200. They also took 10 weeks to arrive, which was fine since I ordered way ahead of time.
I knew there would be some color variation based on the photos, but to be honest I’m nervous because these look more similar than anticipated. Here’s the ivory:
And here’s the noche. The top layer is wet under the plastic so they’ll dry closer to that lighter patch in the middle:
Update: There wasn’t as much contrast as I wanted, so we ended up staining all of the noche travertine with Minwax Aged Barrel, grouting and sealing it. Here’s how it turned out!
Pergola
On the other side of the patio, the plan is to add a large wood pergola for a covered dining area. I’m picturing something elegant and romantic with vines growing atop:
The vine species is still up for debate—if you have any suggestions for something fast growing and low maintenance that will thrive in Florida, please share! I’d love wisteria but that doesn’t grow in our climate. The current contenders are star jasmine, bougainvillea and passionfruit (we’ve successfully grown all of these here).
As for the pergola itself, we’re debating between two options: a custom build-it-yourself kit from Pergola Depot, or a budget DIY kit from Amazon (also currently on sale at Lowe’s).
The size would be about the same, however the Amazon kit is 4′ too short, so we’d have to figure out a good way to raise it up. It’s also not quite as sturdy so we’d need to reinforce the beams, because we’d love to add two rope swings across the front:
The price difference between the pergola kits is around $7k ($2,300 vs $9,300). We’d rather not go full DIY because Lucas’s time is better spent on other projects, and the materials alone aren’t cheap. Thoughts, anyone?
Outdoor kitchen
This idea came to me after struggling to find a seating configuration that made sense on a narrow porch with two doorways and limited space. What if we put the grill here and built a cool little outdoor kitchenette?
I love this plan because the patio is right off the main kitchen/dining area. It will be much more convenient to carry food/supplies just a few short steps away, vs to the other side of the yard. It’s also a covered space, and who wants to stand outside flipping burgers during a rainstorm or under the blazing summer sun?
I couldn’t find a close example of what I had in mind, but it will probably be something simple like a built-in grill surround with a storage cabinet or maybe a beverage cooler:
I would extend the counter into an L shape, with a couple stools below for bar seating that can be accessed on the pool side (not the greatest example, but you get the idea):
A privacy wall of some sort above the grill will also be added to block the view into the neighbor’s yard. The travertine pavers will continue on the patio, and finally, outdoor lanterns plus dark wood ceiling beams will take the design to the next level.
Furniture
With all of the big projects covered, let’s talk furnishings! We don’t have a ton of space to work with so I had to prioritize the seating arrangements. For me, this backyard just isn’t complete without cabana stripe chaise lounges and a pagoda umbrella.
I had to find my own version that a) would hold up to brutal FL weather, and b) wouldn’t cost a fortune. After testing out every possible type of outdoor furniture over the years, I’m convinced that everything will have to be replaced sooner or later, so here’s the current leading combo:
These metal chaise lounge chairs, these sage green cabana stripe cushions, and this pagoda fringe umbrella.
Or, option B: striped reclining pillow loungers. They’re pricier at $399/ea (on sale) but they won’t rust or break like metal, wood and plastic.
They can also be moved around the yard for versatile seating options—which is a double edged sword because they probably won’t be put back in the right spot for the next guests. WWYD?
The other non-negotiable is a large capacity dining space. The house will sleep 14 guests, so I wanted a place for everyone to share a meal outdoors. The clear choice is underneath the pergola which will provide much needed shade.
But where do we find a table that will survive our weather, large enough at a reasonable price? The easiest option is to use two tables side by side, but I’m struggling to find one in the right size/shape. We may end up DIYing our own (perhaps concrete? or a remnant stone slab?)
I’ll probably end up using these bistro chairs I always use, because they’re just so durable, affordable and easy to clean!
Landscaping
Just like we did at the Hacienda, we’re keeping the landscaping very basic for minimal maintenance. We plan to install podocarpus trees around the entire fence perimeter, and letting them grow into a privacy hedge. These are extremely common here in Tampa and grow very well.
Podocarpus grow slowly though, so we’ll start with 5-6′ trees. By the time our renovation is complete, hopefully they’ll have filled in nicely. The only other plant decision to make is the pergola vines, which I’m still researching.
Whew, I think that covers everything! The only decisions that have been finalized/purchased are the pool and paver patio—everything else will come together over the next several weeks. We don’t have a specific target completion date, but it would be great to have it finished this fall.
If you’re into this style and want to see all of our inspiration for each room, check our my Pinterest board! And feel free to weigh in on our backyard plans before we finalize them. Exciting things to come!
Michele M. says
Oh my word, it’s going to be so gorgeous! I am so excited (and terribly jealous) of all your house projects. My vote is Bougainvillea – it is so beautiful, prolific and we can’t grow it here and I always love seeing it in Calif. If you can grow it that’s a great choice for sure.
Whoo hoo this was a happy post!!!
K from Cali says
Just a note on passion fruit, while it’s super quick growing and will fill in easily, it can be messy during fruit season as it’ll keep dropping fruit from the vines. Love it for out-of-the-way zones but not sure if its the right choice for an eating area, especially if the vines eventually make their way to the top of the pergola; you’ll have fruit dropping on heads!
Alyson Bird says
Very excited to see all this. I missed the original house update so went back and got caught up on that too. I was going to suggest the name Viva la Vida but realized you had already chosen a name. Cannot wait to see the travertine tile. I am about to do a checkered tile in my library. I also love the darker Spanish cozy vibe. It is going to be stunning. I do agree about the floor poufs being a problem for older renters, also bugs might be a problem.
Angelique May-Bennett says
We’re just leveled our backyard after an intensive renovation, now have weed matt and lots of mulch. We’re in Australia so will be doing native garden with a few chunky rocks (my husband is a stone mason so is doing a stone front fence). We’re also building a pergola and have opted for non-native ornamental wine vine. It has lovely big leaves, pretty shape, that turn beautiful orange and reds in autumn and leaves knuckling vines during winter. Also grows well but not too fast. It’ll match the mini Boston Ivy on a brick wall (also non naive but they work together well).
Jenna Sue says
That sounds beautiful! Nothing like a wine vine to give it a romantic Mediterranean feel.
Melinda says
I see there’s a beautiful purple trumpet vine, too, that is similar in color to wisteria, if you liked that color family:
https://santaclaritagardens.com/GWImage.php?image=124&source=gg&index=21&page=4
Melinda says
I love everything — this is so beautiful! ICYMI — Serena & Lily is having a 40% off everything sale right now.
Re: vines, I have wisteria, bougainvillea, jasmine, and pink passiflora vines in my yard. (I’m in zone 9b.) The bougainvillea sheds A LOT so is a pain to maintain. And it needs to be trimmed often or it gets unruly but the thorns can hurt so not the most fun to trim. The jasmine and passiflora have the longest flowering season and my passiflora (non-fruiting) gets a ton of butterflies.
At my previous house, we had a red trumpet vine which was gorgeous, evergreen, and had nearly nonstop year-round flowers. I’d recommend adding that one to your list as well!
Jenna Sue says
Ah thanks for sharing! They’d have to come down closer to 80% off to fit our budget, hah.
Really appreciate the plant info! I’m also zone 9b, so I will definitely look into the trumpet vine.
Toni says
No to Wysteria….only pretty in short blooming season. Drops leaves. No to low seats! To hard to get up. Love design and pool. I’d prefer bbq not be first thing I see looking out window, prefer seating in under cover area. Costco Adirondack chairs are sturdy and comfortable and hold up amazingly well to elements. Pavers will give old world look.
Jenna Sue says
Thanks for weighing in Toni!
Kathi S says
Love your plans Jenna! As far as the pergola vine goes, I would opt for Bougainvillea. My parents have had one growing on the back of their home for many decades, and nothing beats those fuchsia blooms and the clean green leaves! I have wisteria on my property, and although I love the look, I find that the vines are far less manageable than the Bougainvillea. Wisteria is a beautiful climber but very hard to control. Ours wrapped around an entire huge pine tree and choked and killed it. I would not plant it again, especially if I wasn’t on the property to maintain it.
Jenna Sue says
Good to know, thanks Kathi! We have a few bougainvilleas in our yard and they’ve been great.
Natalie says
I personally would not do the pillow loungers. They’d probably just sit and collect moisture and mold on the underside, won’t be comfortable for elders (and possibly others), may be hot to sit in, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they end up getting thrown or blown into the pool at times?? I don’t know, cool and cute as they are, that’s just my two cents 😘
Jenna Sue says
Thanks for the input! You’re right, there are quite a few downsides to those. Too bad cause they’re adorable.
Teddee Grace says
Exciting! If you like wisteria but can’t grow it there then I think passionfruit vine looks like a good substitute. I looked up all three options on line. I’m interested in seeing how you deal with the checkerboard tiles of similar shades. You’ll come up with something creative.
Jenna Sue says
Our passionfruit vine grew very well at the Riverside Retreat! I’ll have to look into the pros/cons some more.
sona says
Not sure if you expect older guests, but the cushions on the ground will be off limits to them. Wont be able to get down to them and even harder to get up!
Jenna Sue says
Good point, thanks for bringing that up!
Karen says
Put two tables end to end. Metal you could screw together ❤️
Jenna Sue says
I’ve been looking for one that I love and no luck yet, but that’s definitely the easiest option!
Pamela says
Wow! You are off to a great start! I do have one other suggestion for the pergola vine: Queen’s Wreath. It is very similar to wisteria and is much more Florida friendly – but it will not grow as quickly as jasmine. Happy gardening!
Jenna Sue says
Writing that one down, thanks for the suggestion Pamela!
Pamela says
Here’s more info on the Queen’s Wreath. They are available locally at Tree Mart in north Tampa.
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/nassauco/2020/04/14/queens-wreath/#:~:text=Queen's%20wreath%20prefers%20full%20sun,produces%20flowers%20%E2%80%93%20so%20be%20patient.
Cindy says
Super. excited to see new backyard!! I always learn so much from your experiences! Thank you!!
And, as always, you and Luca always hit it out of the park on design and execution!!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much, Cindy!
Kathy says
Looooove it! I wish I could start over on my backyard – this is the exact look I wanted and got talked out of so many of my decisions and ended up with just a standard looking design:(
Btw, for the pavers – if the darker one isn’t giving you enough contrast, I wonder if pavers can be stained like concrete can?
Jenna Sue says
You have a great backyard space though, and an amazing pool! You could always add some vines and new furniture or tile though if you wanted to switch it up. I’ll have to look into the staining travertine as an option, good idea!