10 Amazing Outdoor Retreats

ABOVE Architect Tom Adams, of Adams Gerndt Design Group,  chose sleek outdoor furnishings for Doree and Tony Nelson's poolside retreat. Featured in “Piquantly Poolside, ” July/Aug 2013.

ABOVE Nestled into Lace Bark Elms and boxwoods, this Mountain Brook pool’s open-air pavilion, designed by architect James Carter, reflects the formal style of the Georgian home’s exterior with its clean lines and very few features so as not to detract from the elegant appeal of the overall project. The inviting deep blue of the rectangular pool was achieved by using a darker shade of plaster. Featured in “Grand Scheme, ” March/April 2014.

ABOVE Through a savvy use of space, a small backyard is transformed into a tranquil outdoor retreat with the help of Greenview Studio, Inc.,  Porter Bros. and Gardens by Griffin. Featured in “Small-Scale and Savvy, ” May/June 2014.

ABOVE LEFT John Hagefstration's Smith Lake home in the Point William community is focused primarily on the beauty of the local landscape. Featured in “Front Row, ” March/April 2015. Photo by David Hillegas.

ABOVE RIGHT Homeowner Merrill Stewart, president and founder of Birmingham-based Stewart Perry, enjoys mountain breezes from a comfy screened porch in his vacation home in North Carolina. Featured in “Warm Welcome, ” Sept/Oct 2014. Photo by Jim Bathie.

ABOVE Enjoying several points of interest, the outdoor living area of Jeanne and Mike Clarke's Mountain Brook home offers a pool with fountain, outdoor room supported by large timbers and poolside seating. Featured in “Garden Party, ” May/June 2015. 

ABOVE A pavilion marks the end of a long pool, perfectly embodying this Mountain Brook home’s theme of indoor/outdoor living. It offers a respite from the sun, as well as an impressive view. Featured in “California Dream, ” Sept/Oct 2013.

ABOVE Birmingham landscape architect David Brush created a beautiful, welcoming environment for friends and family at this Tuscaloosa home. The owners hand-picked the urns that surround the pool. David custom-designed the pedestals underneath and planted the urns with Sago palms. Featured in “Landscape Artistry in Tuscaloosa, ” Sept/Oct 2013. 

ABOVE LEFT Lindsey and John Lacey’s vacation home on Lake Martin features a relaxing gazebo with a stunning view of the water. Featured in “Great Lake Escape, ” March/April 2015. 

ABOVE RIGHT Slipcovered chairs and iron chandeliers create a true dining room on the covered back patio with the added benefit of an outdoor kitchen and seating area around an outdoor fireplace. Featured in “20 Ways to be Inspired, ” Nov/Dec 2014. 

Photography by Jean Allsopp