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Friday, July 22, 2011

Pools with Built-In Spas

The new casa currently has a variation of a U-shaped pool and a spa a few feet away.  I don't think the pool is functional for children.  It seems to be a lap pool with two small wings coming out.  I am afraid that the children will hurt themselves because there are many corners and not too much open space.

We are considering enlarging the pool so it has more open space.  If we do that, the pool would run into the spa.  Hopefully it would be a possibility to include the spa in the pool.  I have found several designs where the pool and the spa are together and in my humble opinion look beautiful:













Which is your favorite?

***Images from http://www.hgtv.com/



Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Pool Slides

One of the things my children requested for the new casa is a slide for the pool.  I've been looking for photos and really haven't seen anything I am thrilled with.  I don't want boulders as decor for the pool nor the garden, and many of the "hidden" slides available are hidden by a stone structure.

There are other options but I don't know if I would like a freestanding slide.

These are some of the slides I find interesting:







These are some options that are less costly and more mobile:


I prefer the inflatables for obvious reasons such as price and mobility.

***All images are from Google Images.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Outdoor Living Part 6

The following water features are appealing to me.  I would like to incorporate water features in at least two locations in the yard.  We currently have a pond in the front and one in the back.  They are rustic and not visibly contained.  I would love to enclose one and possible add a water feature...








Decisions, decisions...



Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Floor Plan

I try not to tell my children anything about specific dates or events ahead of time because otherwise they become very excited and a little annoying as they wait with high anticipation for whatever it is they are excited about.  I prefer to keep information to myself and then surprise them on the day of an event or just before.  We were supposed to receive an answer from the bank by July 5th.  Somehow my children found out about that...they were so funny...counting the days, and waiting with such anticipation it was impressive.

They really love this house...my husband really loves this house and I really love this house.  Maybe love is not the right word...we are all very fond of this property and I think the expectations we have of what it will be and the memorable times we hope to have there add fuel to our desire to have it.

Anyway, July 5th came and went and we did not hear anything.  We finally received news that the bank was ordering a third appraisal.  They must prove to other creditors and investors that the value of the house is warranted.

They ordered the appraisal right away and the appraiser went out for the inspection.  Unfortunately the foliage is so overgrown the appraiser couldn't measure the house.  They had to order plans from the city to get the measurements. 

We still don't have a response from the bank but I think it will happen soon...very soon!

On the bright side, I was able to get a copy of the plan.  This makes playing around with my design ideas much easier.
I have several ugly versions that I must clean up and try to make legible before I post. 

Meanwhile, I have a blank copy to share today.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Outdoor Living Part 5

You'd think I was done with outdoor living ideas, but they just keep coming.  I did tell you this is the "room" I am most looking forward to decorating.  I found more photographs on:  http://www.hgtv.com/ of inspirational outdoor spaces.  Following are some of the ideas for "seating walls"  I'd like to use in my outdoor space:




















I know there are many photos but I love to have many options to ensure the best result.