It is possible to step into a relaxing outdoor wonder, without ever leaving home!
Backyards are now becoming outdoor living spaces; they are extensions of our homes. They provide another place for entertaining, spending time with family or escaping for an afternoon. There are so many options when thinking about how to create the ideal space, one that will reflect your personal style and provide many hours of backyard bliss. Whether you choose to be hands-on and do the work yourself or allow one of the local outdoor companies to design your ultimate oasis the final outcome will no doubt be a place of sheer delight!
Caaren and Kent Wooliscroft built their pool and pool house in 2006. Their children were 13, 10 and 6, could all swim and wanted constant entertainment in the summer. “We built the pool to keep them entertained and keep me sane,” said Caaren Wooliscroft. At first the thought of having a 
pool did not appeal to Kent, he wasn’t sold on the idea until he saw a picture of a guy outside grilling in a pool house and watching television. “After seeing that, I was sold and we were ready to begin construction,” says Kent. After deciding what features they would need, the couple chose Southwest Pools and Spa and local builder Don Estes. “The pool has a large shallow end for basketball and volleyball a beach entry so they can just cool off without getting completely in. With two boys, I knew we would have teams over after games, so I wanted it to be able to handle a baseball team which we have done many times,” says Caaren. I wanted the space to completely accommodate all their needs so they wouldn’t be running in and out of the house wet. They can use the bathroom outside, watch TV, movies, and eat. I keep drinks in the fridge and can fire the gas grill up for lunch or dinner quickly. I keep all paper goods outside. Again, my goal was for them to spend as much time outside with friends as possible. We spaced everything so they could float in the beach and watch TV which they love. The best part of the space is that we use it all year. The fireplace heats the area up so the kids can watch TV even when it is freezing.”
Randy Glenn of Extreme Exteriors/Pool Tyme recently completed an “extreme outdoor experience” located on the 16th green at the Abilene Country Club Fairway location. This space could compete with any resort. The beach entry is great for small children and for sunning. A rock bridge leads across to the sunken outdoor kitchen, equipped with a Big Green Egg and a refrigerator. There is also a large grotto with a sunken Dimension One Amore Bay Hot Tub inside. Surrounding the pool, Glenn used paver decking, “It is great because it doesn’t get hot in the summer and does not freeze,” said Glenn. This pool is equipped with many entertaining spaces-all allowing guests to view the action on the nearby fairway or relax and soak up the West Texas sun! “We can tailor your outdoor living space to be exactly what you need,” said Mikea Glenn of Extreme Exteriors.
Contemporary, sleek, yet rustic- all words that come to mind when you first view the newly created outdoor living space and kitchen at the home of Cathie and David Coleman. Sitting atop a multi leveled backyard on Elm Creek, this space is a perfect complement to their home. Its construction features two sitting areas, a fireplace made of beach rock from Baja, Mexico and a gourmet kitchen equipped with a pizza oven and ample cooking and grilling space for cooking. David, a self-taught gourmet chef, can be found cooking/entertaining in his new kitchen year-round. He chose to oversee this project from start to finish, with the help of Johnny Jennings, who drew the floor plan, David Potts, David Potts Construction and Eddie Zrzary, who as David notes “is an unbelievable welder-he made and created everything we needed.” “My idea stemmed from some planters that I had seen, from there the design began, said David, they covered the posts that support the roof, they look great!” “We are enjoying every minute we spend in this space, we love to entertain friends and relaxing with our family,” added Cathie.
All of these outdoor spaces can and are being enjoyed year-round. Whether your budget allows for luxury or simplicity, explore your options and design a place that suits your needs; a place for relaxation, fun and beauty. Connect your outside to your inside; enjoy West Texas evenings as you listen to crickets chirping, children laughing and all the sounds of summer!
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