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During the summer months, we all long for a shady spot to enjoy a cool drink. In pursuit of hot weather pleasure, some northshore folks have created their own sheltered - but unwalled - outdoor rooms. These plans also feature striking uses of water - tranquil reflecting pools, water gardens, or waterfalls that add motion and music to the scene.
The best of the old and the new
The wide use of the formal garden, whether English, Italian or French in style, has ended in many places. Not so in the gardens surrounding this home, one of the grand old mansions of Tangipahoa Parish, just a few blocks up the street from downtown Hammond.
The owners are carrying on the gardening tradition originally begun by his grandmother - and she was quite a gardener! Her roses, herb gardens and mature flowering azaleas are still thriving, nestled among towering pines and generous leafy oak trees. The landscape plan follows the formal pattern of many grand estates, with the views from the house terminating in architectural features such as water gardens and fountains.
A new screened addition, containing a gazebo, an outdoor kitchen and a dining area, is connected to the main house by a series of decks and walkways. Constructed with all natural materials - stained and scored concrete floors, granite counters and cypress cabinets - and furnished with teak tables and chairs, this outdoor pavilion is hardy and weather-resistant inside and out. A must in our sultry climate!
Fun in the sun - and shade
Good food and spirits abound in a Pleasant Ridge neighborhood residence that was featured in Hammond's Homes on Tour 2002. In effect, the pool and patio form an outdoor dining room, living room and kitchen. It is a tropical paradise, paved in stained and scored concrete irregularly placed around the perimeter of the screened room. Cooking and dining alfresco can begin in early spring and extend through the hot summer into late autumn, maximizing the time that family and friends will spend outside.
Landscape architect Roy Dufreche provided places just outside the screened terrace for low, shade-loving plantings that thrive under the canopy of mature native pine trees, magnolias and bay trees. Flowering begonias and New Guinea impatiens are displayed in pots and beds near the seating areas.
Wrought iron furniture, combined with natural granite and tempered glass tables, was custom designed by designer Susan Johnson. The pool, patio and spa area provides just the right balance of lounging space for both sun worshipers and shade lovers. And when the sun goes down, the dramatic multi-colored fiber optic lights in the pool and spa add extra sparkle to even a very starry night.
Cool waters
As a part of their development of both house and grounds, a Tchefuncte Country Club couple designed their spa, pool and patio for informal entertaining. They extended the home's living space to incorporate and feature the lush plantings surrounding the house in a Dufreche plan installed by landscaper Richie Howes. The spa invites guests to experience all of its sensual pleasures day and night, all year round. To light the pool and spa area, permanent gas torches were installed to add a festive ambience to the evenings. The healing power of the water, and the soothing sounds as it cascades from fountains into pools, combine with the colorful tiles to create a unique outdoor experience.
Working with Nature
The surrounding landscape dictated a totally new direction for this raised screen porch. Attached to the home via wooden walkways, the sleeping porch makes the most of the heavily wooded site and river view. Situated on the Tangipahoa River in Pontchatoula, the "birdhouse," as the homeowners have nicknamed the space, provides quiet respite from hot summer days and a truly individual guest room for visitors. Louise Peabody of Intimate Home decorated this treasure using a combination of sisal mats and cotton duck fabrics - in keeping with the laid back life on the river.
Copyright © 2002 L&M Publishing, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
