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A brick-lined pool, BBQ island, and lush, overhanging greenery transform this small suburban backyard into an elegant courtyard. Fountains built into the poolside create white noise that drowns out sounds from adjacent homes, and ambient string lights stretch across the pool to give Adam and Linzee Zeringue’s outdoor space all the nuances of a private sanctuary.
Their simple outdoor kitchen has all the essentials necessary for a memorable cookout, with both chaise lounges and the pool giving guests a place to relax. The pool and adjoining hot tub occupy more than half of the square footage, but the homeowners still have everything they need to enjoy the perks of outdoor living.
The Backyard Brief:
-
Location:
Baton Rouge, Louisiana -
Island Layout:
Linear -
Island Finish:
Brick -
Countertops:
Marble -
Primary Fuel:
Natural gas -
Placement:
Attached -
Shelter:
Non-covered -
Water:
No
Island Living
With so much water nearby, this BBQ island really lives up to its name. Built-in Blaze appliances are housed within its linear design, their stainless steel offering a sophisticated contrast to the paver-and-brick backdrop. The grill and its rotisserie are perfect for serving up venison and other BBQ favorites, while the side burner gets lots of use warming smaller dishes. An undercounter refrigerator stays stocked with all the cookout essentials so outdoor parties can stay outdoors.
Pleasantly Poolside
Moisture-resistant chaise lounges are the perfect place to sunbathe after a dip in the pool or cozy up with a book on a Sunday afternoon (they’re also a nice spot for naps, as long as there’s some sunscreen close by). The chaise lounges also set the scene for some precious family time in the warm Louisiana climate, whether it’s a holiday gathering, summertime pool party, or a simple evening under the stars after a long day of work.
No Drain, No Gain
To compensate for the lack of natural drainage in the outdoor space, channel drains were installed under thin cuts in the paved decking. These clever cuts run directly below and parallel to the roofline, funneling all the water runoff to the channel drains without interrupting the paved surface. If the patio didn’t have proper drainage, the homeowners would be at risk of the pavers caving in, water flowing toward the house and eroding its foundation, or nearby plant beds washing away.
Homeowner Spotlight
Though the Zeringues didn’t build this outdoor space, it heavily swayed them to purchase the home just weeks before having their first child. “The backyard really sold us on the house,” says Adam, who along with his wife loves entertaining. “In fact, it’s what made me go look at it in the first place.” Now the young couple gets to build a family around the private oasis, which will surely be the scene of many parties, cookouts, and family gatherings for years to come.
