35 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com The best pools are not designed simply to be admired. They are designed to be lived in. At this Isle of Palms home, Blue Haven Pools created an outdoor retreat tailored to the homeowners’ lifestyle, blending relaxation, entertainment and everyday functionality into one seamless experience. Built in collaboration with King & Society, the project was envisioned as more than a beautiful backyard, but rather an extension of the home itself, creating a place where mornings begin outdoors, afternoons unfold poolside and evenings naturally gather around the water. “Our goal was to create a pool that complements the way the homeowners live and enhances the overall outdoor experience. Every element was designed to work seamlessly with the home and surrounding spaces, creating a retreat that feels both functional and effortless,” said Dave Gephart of Blue Haven Pools. Rather than approaching the pool as a standalone feature, Blue Haven designed it as part of a larger outdoor living environment. The result is a striking geometric pool anchored by a dramatic vanishing edge that draws the eye across the landscape and reinforces the sense of escape that defines the property. The pool reaches a depth of 6 feet and features a spacious tanning ledge that reflects Blue Haven’s lifestyledriven approach to design. Instead of focusing solely on aesthetics, the pool was intentionally planned to support the way the homeowners wanted to use and experience their outdoor space. A sunken spa offers a different kind of experience. Originally planned as a swim-up bar, the space evolved during the design process to better reflect how the homeowners envisioned using their backyard. Today, it provides a comfortable setting for conversation, relaxation and gathering long after the sun goes down. Every detail was selected with both beauty and livability in mind. Travertine decking surrounds the pool, offering a timeless aesthetic while remaining cooler underfoot during Charleston’s hottest summer days. Enhanced lighting, including four full-size color-changing lights, a dedicated ledge light and a spa light, transforms the space after dark, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a private resort than a backyard. Equally important to the design is the seamless connection between the pool and adjacent cabana. Together, they create a cohesive outdoor living environment where family and guests can easily transition between relaxing, dining, entertaining and swimming. The cabana functions as a natural extension of the home, maximizing the usability of the space while enhancing the overall outdoor experience. Completed alongside the home, the pool ensured the homeowners could settle into a fully-finished retreat from the moment they arrived. Thoughtfully integrated with the home’s architecture and outdoor living spaces, it serves as the centerpiece of a seamless coastal lifestyle. The finished result is more than a beautiful pool. It is a thoughtfully designed environment that encourages connection, supports everyday living and transforms the backyard into a destination all its own. In a setting as special as Isle of Palms, it is the kind of space that turns ordinary moments into lasting memories. BY ALLISON MOORMAN A Retreat by Design Bringing Resort-Style Living Home our town Photo provided by Julie Jackson, Blue Haven Pools & Spas.
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