Upper Skyway Pool and Outdoor Living
Accent was proud to be recognized with a 2024 NALP Award of Excellence for this project.
Located high in the Upper Skyway neighborhood of Colorado Springs, the grounds on this estate acreage were largely undeveloped or in need of repair. Our clients were just finishing an interior remodel, and were ready to take on the landscape. The clients envisioned a family compound built for outdoor activity for everyone of all ages. A place to gather, engage, exercise, and relax.
The challenges presented on this site began with the steep terrain situated on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. We first created a series of level areas to accommodate the multiple activity centers. This process required extensive grading and retainage, skillfully designed and executed to blend into the terrain without conspicuous retaining walls.
The next challenge was contending with dense stands of scrub oak. Carefully crafted routes make the entire property accessible via a series of walking paths through the native tree canopy to the numerous amenities. These paths tie together the activity centers that were artfully sited throughout the acreage. The one third mile trail complex leads to all corners of the property. They connect a bocci ball court, basketball court, putting green, inground trampoline, playhouse, greenhouse and potting shed. The paths meander through an interconnecting series of gardens and planting areas. We incorporated multiple exercise pads and resting spots to stop and work out or enjoy the natural beauty. Raised planters and tiered gardens anchor this space to the surrounding landscape. The meandering paths link to the home in six locations to facilitate the journey into the woodland compound.
We also designed and built interesting and discreet storage buildings, lawn areas, perennial cutting gardens, new driveways, low voltage night lighting, xeriscape borders, custom stucco walls, and planters. Although it is naturally a wooded property, many specimen trees were thoughtfully added.
Another challenge for this project was an imaginative client who created a large number of change orders during construction. The largest addition came when six months into the project, the clients decided to add a swimming pool and spa to the center of the project. This central gathering place is generous in scale. A gas fire feature sited at one end overlooks the large pool with built in spa. The surrounding patio space is composed of state-of-the-art porcelain pavers, designed for classic elegance, durability, and a perfect no slip surface in the pool area.
It was important that the added pool deck and surrounding hardscape meshed seamlessly with the existing Spanish style architecture of the house. This was accomplished with extensive custom cultured limestone copings, provided by our trusted partner Haddenstone. All wall caps, column caps, stair treads, and pool coping are an exact match. These elements beautifully coordinate with the house color, porcelain pavers and new stucco walls.
The result was a remarkable transformation with a high-end resort aesthetic. Both rugged mountains above and city lights below are in full view of this magnificent Rocky Mountain estate. Please feel free to contact us if we can be of help transforming the outdoor living space of your home.