Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Swimmingly beautiful pool houses

Good morning......OK, granted a pool house is often not at the top of the "must have" list but is often a "would like to have" item. If I were to ever have one, I dream of having a small one, as cozy as your imagination can make it, with a tiny kitchen, a perfect crisp white marble bath, a small charming bedroom with just the right lighting to  escape from my family to, have reading sessions in, entertain in, and use for an overflow of guests during the holidays, the one part I could live without, cannot wait until. I mean its multi functional right? So in thinking about it, a pool house really is a great idea, a multi purpose space...heck, you can even have a small office there, maybe set up an artists studio to nurture that budding painter in you..... the sky is the limit. So today is all about the perfect pool house. Some are quite grandiose, others on a more restrained scale,  I would be happy to have any of the ones below to escape to in solitude bliss enjoy with my family and friends...how about you?


Fabulous pool house in the Dominican Republic....bet it gets used year round!
This is what I would call the ultimate pool house...facing the ocean! WOW!!
Pretty pool house by Brooks and Falotico,love the big open area in front that's covered
I like this design idea, with a big open patio in the middle, Brooks and Falotico
Love this open kitchen...gorgeous!
The ever so important outdoor shower, belongs to the above home
Love this outdoor space complete with fireplace between the two small "houses"
Love curtains in an open space...and seeing the breeze work its magic...Elle Decor
One practical design is when the pool house is actually an extension of the main house, as shown here..would imagine you would get much more use of the space
Another angle...pretty loggia
Hariri and Hariri designed this ultra contemporary and dramatic pool house
Gorgeous Hampton's pool house, House Beautiful
California pool house almost looks like a hotel setting!
Perfect views from this pool house....love the soaring ceilings!
Love this pool house...the open spaces are just so elegant and refined
Love the South Beach/St. Tropez vibe going on here.....those lights are add a neat touch
Don't you love overstuffed wicker for a pool house...beautiful!
Dramatic pool house lit up at night by Jamie Beckwith
Gorgeous interiors of above pool house, Jamie Beckwith
Cabana of Lance Armstrong...quite spectacular...rivals a Four Seasons or Ritz!
This large pool house has a large covered area, makes it practical and more useful
Beautiful soft colors grace this pretty pool house bathroom/changing room
Love this idea...for the pool house shower! House Beautiful
Architects Bill Curtis and Russel Windham designed this gorgeous pool house to mimic the main house, in all its gorgeous white Southern glory
A beautiful covered patio on one end of the pool house offers shade from those hot southern afternoons, all that's missing is a round of mint juleps!
Always loved this elegant and understated space..the cozy fireplace makes it a place I could see curling up in with a glass of wine and a good book, Arch Digest
Pretty Georgian styled pool house, Grew Design Inc.
Beautiful dramatic loggia attached to small pool house
Pretty multi tiered pool house and pool setting...dramatic
Gorgeous pool house shown as a "mini me" by Michael Smith architects
Interiors of above home.....like a home one could live in year round!
Another view of the covered porch....love an outdoor fireplace
Living room of above home
Gorgeous Neo Classical styled pool house in Palm Beach, Bruce Bierman
Another shot from Palm Beach pool house
Love the navy and white here..so crisp and clean
Love this bedroom....mighty nice for even a regular home, much less a pool house!
An understated pretty gazebo inspired pool house is very elegant, John Oetgen
Elaborate pool house with centered fireplace....beautiful landscaping but a little busy for my taste
Jay Jeffers designed this cheerful space filled with different shades of blues
I love outdoor settings like this one attached to the pool house...how neat to have an outdoor fireplace....feels like you are almost in Tuscany! Jamie Garza
Ginger Barber created this simply elegant pool house as a year round "summerhouse"

So what do you think? Would you take the plunge if you were able to? Is it practical to you, to have a pool house or do you think it would just sit empty most of the year, a glorious home to all those spiders that would be nesting in your stored pool furniture? I think the ones where they are semi attached to the house probably get much more use, unless a pool house is doubling as a guest house (if the space and budget allows) what a great little escape that would be! The only prerequisite for me would be to have an outdoor fireplace...love them and it makes it a space you can use even on those really chilly nights. Love to know your thoughts..have a wonderful day!


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42 comments:

  1. nomo wino daphApril 5, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    Beautiful as usual:)

    I wish I were laying by any of those today!!

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  2. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeApril 5, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    So many pretty pool houses and outdoor kitcdhens...these picrures are amazing!

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  3. Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living April 5, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    These spaces are gorgeous! There's one room I just love the room with the white paneling, brown pillows and spiral staircase......I could live there! I was going to post about outdoor rooms today but changes my mind! I like your photos better :) Have a beautfiul day my friend!

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  4. David TomsApril 5, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    I am sure that you have seen the photographs taken in the late 50's of Babe Paley in her pool house in Jamaica. It was the ultimate in casual chic!

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  5. meenal @ maison marigoldApril 5, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    OMG..what a tease you have become!! is it fair to tempt your readers with the impossible everytime you post...very unfair..but since you are asking..If i could i would certainly have one..the first one( along the beach) is something i might give an arm and a leg for!! lovely lovely post, yet again!!Do stop by my blog( i've done a spring-themed post) when you have a moment!! xx meenal

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  6. Linda in AZ *April 5, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    *** We've "talked" about adding an ACTUAL "pool house" (we already have a kitchen & fireplace out there)... UNFORTUNATELY tho, *I* did most of the talking (!!!)~~~ hubby just sweetly but skeptically sat there relatively MORTIFIED by my "brightest NEW idea"!!! (Grins!)...

    Some of these were just FAB, & would suit US perfectly, but the more "formal" ones would just not "work" for us, BECAUSE they're tooooo formal... buuuuut, it was great FUN to see n' enjoy ALL of them!

    I thank you~ nice way to start the day!

    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  7. Amy Vermillion @ Martineau Vermillion Interior DesignApril 5, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    I love any outdoor space that is multi functional. Here in Charlotte we do a lot of outdoor kitchens, fireplaces etc.
    I designed a pool house that had a guest house above it and the client uses it to get away from everything when she needs a little alone time too!
    The first time it was used by guests was for the first Wachovia golf tournament by some of the players…I hope my design was instrumental in them playing well..LOL!

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  8. Luciane at HomeBunch.comApril 5, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Good morning, Tina!

    You got me now! I LOVE pool houses! I dream of having a small, very cozy, all white and some touches of blue, almost like a cottage. And yes, the outdoor shower is a must!

    Love this post!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  9. Carolyn@Sweet Chaos HomeApril 5, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    These are all so beautiful! I would love to have a pool house, but we would lose too much yard and I don't need another room to clean :) All we really NEED is a glorified outhouse, so I don't have lots of boys with wet swimsuits running into my house to use the facilities :) Thanks for the eye candy, as usual!

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  10. Brandon @ SouthgateApril 5, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    Forgive me for this long winded comment...
    But several years ago I was working with clients on the renovation of their lake house. Concurrently, they were putting in a pool with what started as a simple poolhouse with changing rooms and a covered porch. That project turned into a half million dollar one with a pool house turned guest house/potting shed/outdoor entertaining extravaganza. It turned out so beautifully that they ended up renovating the main house to mimic the pool house!

    A few years ago I designed myself a house "back home" where my family is. It needed to be big enough to host holidays for my large extended family (you can count on 50 for Thanksgiving!)...plus have enough bedroom suites for my parents and siblings to stay the night. I also wanted it to be a retreat for myself...but the other needs made the main house so large that it wouldn't have the cozy "escape" quality I wanted when it was just me. Enter a poolhouse! If it ever gets built, I imagine I'll hole up there when the family isn't over.

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  11. Anne-Marie @ 10 RoomsApril 5, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Well, if build anything close to these gorgeous little hideaways I think you'll have plenty of company to look forward to! I do love a covered patio with a fireplace, such a wonderful bit of romance.

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  12. Barbara@HausDesignApril 5, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Gorgeous! The last two images really got me dreaming!!! :)

    http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/

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  13. I Dream OfApril 5, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    I'll take a pool house with an art studio, please. And a sweet little kitchen with a spacious wine fridge to store plenty of Cote de Provence!

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  14. Acquired ObjectsApril 5, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    These pools are stunning and right now if it would warm up I would even take Dylan's little plastic pool to enjoy the sun in....lol.

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  15. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassApril 5, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Just gorgeous. Love all of these, especially loving the rustic houses.
    Have a great day, Tina.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  16. UnknownApril 5, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Tina,

    These beautiful outdoor attached and free standing pool houses are exquisite. I'd use it for potting plants, throwing clay, writing, dreaming, napping, work space, entertaining family and friends.

    If I had one as in, purchasing a home that had a pool house I'd make perfect use for it. I wouldn't add it later because living spaces are becoming more intimate and uses are multifunctional within reach.

    It's great to dream and these are dreamy indeed.

    Bette

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  17. UnknownApril 5, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Absolutely....would love to have a pool house! I love the one above with the trio of doors opening up to the pool. To have that space, which could double for entertaining, work, etc...would be a dream come true. I need the pool first, though!

    xo Elizabeth

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  18. quintessenceApril 5, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    I love pool houses for the same reason I love children's clothes - everything seems to be more charming on a smaller scale. We had always planned to put in a pool and a pool house at our old house but never got around to it. The couple who bought our house (next door) hired our architect and built the most charming one with elegant pool and landscaping. I featured it right after I started blogging last fall. And I'm with David - always loved that shot of Babe Paley at her house in Jamaica (I believe it was Round Hill).

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  19. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Stunning, I'd actually be happy living in a poolhouse, such escapism for a Scot.

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  20. UnknownApril 5, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    I have to agree with quintessance on this one...as far as dream pool houses go, I'd prefer something a bit more quaint. All of these are beyond my realm of conscious dreaming-just sooooo grande...definitely beautiful though.

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  21. Party ResourcesApril 5, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    These are to die for...I was just drooling on my Mac. I would love to sip a cocktail by any of those pools

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  22. Suzanne P.April 5, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    Wow these are incredible. That first one in Dominican is over the top, incredible. Like you I would want it as my little refuse away from every day life as much as i would like it for entertaining. We have plans to construct a small one (900 sq feet) with a tiny kitchen, bath and small living room that converts to a bedroom...we are waiting on the permit and I can't wait, in fact I am more excited over this than i was when I built my house. Crazy- loved all this inspiration.

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  23. A Casa da VáApril 5, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Let me just start by saying that I would so take the plunge! Well only in my dreams for now... All those pool sound like the perfect spot for getaways (oh reading a book like you said, or drink a glass of wine!) as well as fun gatherings with friends and family, I don't think I have ever seen so many amazing pool pictures together all in one place!

    And I got so happy to learn that you lived in Rio, you certainly has a fabulous life my friend! Isn't Ipanema beautiful? I was born in Brasilia! And then I grew up in Barra da Tijuca which is like 20 minutes from Ipanema, did you get to visit it?

    Hugs & kisses from Rio!
    http://acasadava.blogspot.com

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  24. UnknownApril 5, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    You posted one of my favorites...Jay Jeffers' banquette with those great pillows. So creative and fun! All these places are so luxurious, like vacationing in your own back yard.

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  25. anyaadoresApril 5, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    OMG I totally love all these amazing pool houses. I would love one of these, but living in Denmark, with 8 months of pretty freezing weather it would somehow be a lost cause. But I would move - straight away - to any of these. Just found your blog, and I adore it - following you - please come and see me sometime - if you like what I do maybe you'll follow me too ;O)
    A xx

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  26. Ispirato DesignApril 5, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    My goodness there is so much to comment on. I had the pleasure of designing a pool/ pool house/ rec area once before. Unfortunately, after all was said and done, the clients didn't want to spend the money on it but it was a pleasure to design! I love the loggia and the outdoor kitchens. I agree that an attached pool house is more feasible but considering the scale of these designs- I'm thinking they have a little help with their chores!

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  27. Deborah AllenApril 5, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Love your blog! Thank you! It's gorgeous!

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  28. organbrettApril 5, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    I'd love to have one with the interior loft (mini-me) but with the kitchen shown in #5 (along with the outdoor shower) to die for! My previous favorite post was the one of Butler's Pantries. But judging by how many photos I copied from today's post (for my digital scrapbook) this is my new favorite!

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  29. Marie SöderbergApril 5, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    OMG soo beautiful to die for...lovely lovely poolhouses :) you have great taste..have à lovely day/ Marie

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  30. StaceyApril 5, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    I was just whisked away momentarily with this post. Such luxury! These are all so beautiful too. I'd love something less grand for myself and we actually have the space for it at our new house too:-). Happy Tuesday to you! XX

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  31. Aspiring KennedyApril 5, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    um, heck yes. i would soak up in any of these amazing pools. i'd be the happiest little raisin there ever was... :)

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  32. under spanish mossApril 5, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    We'll take any one of these fabulous pool houses. You definitely need it in South Louisiana. We have been working on our husbands for some time...now with renewed enthusiasm.

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  33. Susan @ Real Girl DesignsApril 5, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    I love the Michael Smith "mini-me" one. Personally, though, I'm not a big fan of having my own pool - it just seems like too much work :) - we bought our house in this community because of the gorgeous pool complex - it has a huge pool house and outdoor room that we can rent for throwing parties, etc.

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  34. JeanetteApril 5, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    I love all of the pool house's, especially Lance Armstrong's cabana. What's great about a pool house is no dripping swimsuits inside your home. The infinity pool facing the ocean is gorgeous! Love your posts!

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  35. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereApril 5, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    So Beautiful! I love all the pool houses and especially the white outdoor kitchen. The mini me house is fabulous.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  36. Tracey Ayton PhotographyApril 5, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    Ahhh, I can sit here and stare at these pictures all day and night and tomorrow and the next day ....... I especially love the Hampton home.

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  37. Kellie CollisApril 6, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    These are fabulous pool houses! I love infinity pools too! Have a gorgeous day, Kellie xx

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  38. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    I am looking for a interior designer in orange county california, that does as beautiful of work displayed in pictures here, can you help me.
    email famflair@aol.com

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  39. arrielle_pJune 11, 2012 at 3:10 AM

    WOW I love the design of those houses and the pool woah! I want to swim. My dream house has a swimming pool. Wish I could afford the price! Love it, it makes you feel calm and when you feel boring, just only swim in that relaxing water.

    philippines properties for sale

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  40. Orlando Pool builderJanuary 27, 2013 at 10:37 PM

    Wonderful designs they would all look great next to our pool designs from american-pools.com

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  41. Hettie CalhounApril 18, 2013 at 2:07 PM

    These are some of the most gorgeous swimming pools that I've seen! If you have enough money, I say go all out when it comes to the design of your pool because once it's done, it would cost a lot more to have it remodeled. You have to be sure that what you're building is your dream pool. When I had mine built, I called my friend's trusted pool builder because she said that they were very accommodating and they would design a customized pool just for you!

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  42. richest girlJanuary 28, 2014 at 3:06 PM

    I live in the first one

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Would love to hear what you have to say......happy thoughts only please!!