Welcome and Happy Tuesday! As I’m going through my pictures looking for the perfect shots to put on our Zillow posting I ran across some before and after pictures of our backyard. It’s pretty amazing to see the evolution of our backyard over the course of 15 years!
When we moved into this house over 15 years ago we had a great base to start with. The neighborhood was originally a tree farm so there were already huge, beautiful trees in and behind the yard. Here are the trees covered in snow. Even in the winter they are show stoppers. Last week my husband and I drove through a new Toll Brother’s neighborhood going in nearby and there was not one tree. It proves you can’t buy charm. Well, you can to a degree, but it’s difficult to buy mature landscaping…
I adore these trees.
We knew we wanted a swimming pool and a private backyard. So, with a great backdrop of mature trees as our base, we set out to make this yard into a private oasis for our family and friends. This is how the backyard looked when we moved in. We staked out the future pool to get an idea of its placement.
Once permits were secure, construction began.
We had the pool filled and the fountains hooked up. We purchased the lion fountains from a local antique store. Honestly I’ve never seen any like them since. They add a nice soothing sound when you are outside. Plus, I have a thing for lions.
With the pool, patio and fence complete, it was time for landscaping. Lots and lots!
And here we are, 15 years later! We planted trees, shrubs and flowers along each side of the fence so we now have a completely privatized backyard. Oasis complete. We love it. This is sunrise…
And on a hot summer day…
To the fence we added double gates that lead from the driveway to the backyard. The large stars were purchased at a local nursery and I painted them black to match the fence. We secured them to the gates with black zip ties. It adds just a little fun and privacy to the fence and yard.
We love the classic rectangular shape of the pool. The pool base is black dyed concrete lending to a more natural pond appearance. One year we looked out the window and saw some ducks floating in the pool. I guess they thought it looked like a real pond too! Albeit a rectangular one. This is the view as you walk into the back yard. Rectangular pavers lead the way.
We also decided on a sports pool which means it is shallow on each end (about 3 ½ feet deep) and deeper in the middle. (about 6 ½ feet deep.) With teenage boys we didn’t want the danger and liability of a diving board, etc. Also with a sports pool, we added sunken PVC pipes in the middle of each side of the pool so we can add a volleyball net. Trust me, there were many fierce (and loud) volleyball and basketball games in this pool!
We put in a large patio beside the pool. We have our fire pit and adirondack chairs for comfortable lounging year round. My Dad built two of the chairs and my husband used his pattern and made the other two. This spring they will all get a fresh coat of white paint. We have a large wrought iron table, chairs and an umbrella on the patio for impromptu al fresco lunches and dinners.
When the house was first built, there were two awkward doors from the house leading to the back yard. We wanted a spot to put our grill since we grill out several times a week year round. Also we longed for a spot to sit and enjoy the outdoors. (and our new pool!) Over the course of a few weeks, my husband and boys removed the wooden steps and replaced them with a raised patio with pavers. 
This is the side view. Our house was stucco on three sides at the time too. Now it has been replaced with Hardie Plank. Like I said, this house has seen tons of changes over the years.
A few years later we added a roof and columns. I then insisted we call it “The Veranda” because it was too pretty to be called a porch. It quickly became our very favorite outdoor spot. We love sitting out here to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine. It’s also a fun spot to sit and watch the kids play in the pool or to enjoy a summer rain. Who else loves rocking chairs?
My husband built columns at the base of the steps from the Veranda to the yard. I bought these large concrete balls at a shop in Lumberton, NC and hauled them all the way to Pennsylvania. I think they add just the right touch. As you can imagine, they weigh a ton.
I think my husband did an amazing job on the columns, steps and Veranda! (well, we hired out the roof to a professional but he did the rest.)
The view from the Veranda to the backyard. I love it when the daylillies are in bloom and the grass is lush and green. It’s so serene.
It’s also a perfect spot to watch Lacey play in the pool or with one of her frogs.
A few years ago we added some outdoor lights on the Veranda. The lights give the spot such a festive look and provides task lighting for my husband when he grills, which is often.
We are really going to miss this spot when we move…
Besides Lacey, someone else is going to miss our swimming pool when we move! Lacey’s BFF, Myla lives next door. Myla (also a Golden Retriever) comes to our gate and barks when she wants to come over for a swim. So cute. Here’s Lacey chilling out in the pool. Honestly she enjoys the pool more than anyone since our boys moved out.
And Lacey playing with one of her pool toys. This girl loves to swim more than anything! Doesn’t she make the water look inviting?
The house and yard have come a long way in 15 years. We will really miss our lovely backyard when we move. But even more than that, we will truly miss our fantastic neighbors. I wish I could pick them all up and move them to North Carolina with us. Hopefully they will come visit? Do you know anyone who wants to live in an awesome neighborhood in Bucks County, in a house with a swimming pool and finished basement? Let me know! It’s going on the market in a matter of days!
Thank you for stopping by! Let’s chat tomorrow? xoxo Dell
