MADE TO ENJOY

This inner-Melbourne outdoor retreat was created for a family that likes to entertain in comfort and style

Aversatile swim spa, encircled by plants and cosily nestled into a corner, is the focus of the modern rear-garden retreat in this home in Melbourne's inner suburbs. It's somewhere the family can cool down in summer or simply hang out with friends any time of the year, enjoying the soothing spa jets.

Just as importantly, its a means of getting in a little exercise thanks to the powerful swim jets that provide sufficient resistance to make swimming in place possible. When not in use, the swim spa serves as a large, pondlike water feature, an effect enhanced when the decorative jets are turned on, sending arcs of water into the air.

Being able to entertain in comfort was important for the family, explains Darren Willmott, director of DJ Landscapes & Pools. As was creating privacy, ensuring spaces were low-maintenance, and implementing a look that was modern yet warm and inviting. To achieve this, the family had commissioned Nathan Chalk from GreenDaze Garden Design to come up with a design, now it was up to Darren and his team to turn dreams into reality.

For privacy from neighbours, and to mask the fence around the swim spa and outdoor entertaining area, Darren's team installed 42mm x 42mm spotted timber vertical batten screens. "The screening is complemented by the timber decking in the entertaining space, which is located at the side of the house, and the feature floating seats that embrace this area - all similarly fashioned out of spotted gum," he says.