Elegant Pool House

Location: Clifton, VA

The south facing pool house was carefully sited as the focal point and backdrop to the swimming pool on this 13-acre estate. It serves as an outdoor entertaining area complete with kitchenette, a full bathroom, loft, and storage area for pool equipment. The stucco walls, limestone sills and stone base are in keeping with the main residence while the oversized craftsman-style heart pine columns frame and anchor the entrance.

In an effort to unite the pool house with the surrounding stone pool decks, the architect chose to continue the Pennsylvania flagstone into the interior of the pool house and up the walls as a natural wainscot. Intricate ceramic tile leaves were carefully cut into the thick flagstone to create the illusion of leaves scattered across the floor and a hand-cut circular tile mosaic defines the gathering area for table and chairs. The walls are sheathed in beautiful beechwood, which spent a century at the bottom of the Great Lakes, adding character and warmth to the already cozy space.

By design, the bathroom resembles a grotto. The cave-like quality is achieved by continuing the stone motif on all surfaces. Irregular flagstone covers the floors and walls while faux finishing was used to imitate the natural stone look on the ceiling. Even the pedestal sink appears to have been fashioned from stone, though it’s actually a clear glass custom sink that required faux finishing to hide the otherwise visible plumbing from view. Specialty lighting and hand-rubbed bronze hardware compliment the existing home while a sprinkler system ensures a level of fire safety not often found in residential spaces. Radiant floor heating and a complete Lutron system ensure the latest in comfort, convenience and automation.