Location: | Murrysville Estate |
The Vision: | Mountain-Inspired Backyard Retreat |
A longtime client reached out after purchasing a stunning estate on a large, pond-filled property in Murrysville. Surrounded by mature pines and scenic views, the home—built a decade prior—offered the perfect foundation for a complete outdoor transformation. The homeowners envisioned a Western mountain-inspired retreat with the luxury and comfort of a high-end resort.
One of the early challenges in the planning phase was navigating municipal regulations. Due to the unique orientation of the home and the township’s designation of the property’s “front,” placing the pool behind the house—between the home and the largest pond—required a zoning variance. After several meetings with the township, our team successfully obtained approval to move forward with the pool and outdoor living design.
To address the change in elevation from the walkout basement to the pool area, we constructed a series of natural stone retaining walls that blended seamlessly with the landscape. A custom-built pool house became the heart of the outdoor space, featuring an outdoor kitchen and bar, a gas firepit, built-in heaters, a bathroom, and dedicated storage—all thoughtfully designed for year-round use and convenience.
A multi-tiered, natural stone waterfall became a focal point of the backyard, positioned for maximum visibility from both the pool and pool house. Color-changing LED lighting within the waterfall brought the feature to life after dark, creating ambiance and allowing the space to adapt to seasons, events, or moods.
Landscape lighting was carefully placed to highlight rock work, major plantings, and pathways—balancing beauty with functionality. Tiki torches added a warm, rustic glow, while a high-end audio system provided the perfect backdrop for relaxing or entertaining.
This project was a complete exterior transformation—reimagining the property into a personalized, mountain-inspired resort that reflects the homeowners’ vision and lifestyle.