There are all kinds of backyard pools. Most are relatively straightforward affairs, good for practicing your breaststroke or cooling off on a hot summer day. And then there are those idyllic, watery creations that take the notion of swimming pools to a whole new level. We’re talking multi-level pools and infinity-edge pools and pools with whooshing waterfalls, swim-up bars and dramatic lighting features.
"An awesome pool can be the trump card for a luxury residence," says Ken Lowman, broker-owner of Luxury Homes of Las Vegas. "When a prospective buyer tours a home, it is often the pool that establishes the real emotional connection. It can define the home’s entire capabilities for relaxation and entertainment. People visualize how they will use that pool to entertain friends and enjoy quality time with their families. It is often the single most important point in selling a home."
MAHÉ, Seychelles
It takes a lot of swimming pool to compete with the scenery when the stunning waters of the Indian Ocean are just steps away. Located on the southwest side of Mahé, at Petite Anse, this 4,983-square-foot villa at the Four Seasons Private Residences Seychelles is surrounded by two acres of tropical forest.
Framed by a spacious wrap-around 2,766-square-foot deck, which provides an extensive outdoor entertainment area, the pool sits on the edge of the cliff face, blurring the impression between where the pool ends and the turquoise sea begins. The southwest facing villa enjoys a dramatic outlook over the ocean and across the horseshoe-shaped bay to the opposite headland, giving residents uninterrupted, panoramic views of the sunset every evening.
“This villa offers an unrivalled combination of graceful architecture and breathtaking views. It blends seamlessly with the natural contours of the coastline with spectacular effect,” says Dean Foley, International Sales Manager, Hamptons International. “The steepness of the cliff face means that the infinity pool appears to float above the ocean providing exceptional views over the beach and the Indian Ocean beyond.”
Price: $10,950,000
Contact: Dean Foley, Hamptons International, 44.(0)20.7758.8447; www.residences.fourseasons.com
LAS VEGAS, Nevada
Located in Promontory at The Ridges on the Bear’s Best Championship Golf Course, on the west side of Las Vegas along Red Rock State Park, this 12,921-square-foot home features 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and a 7-car garage. The one-year-old multi-level home’s two-story pool could fit right in at one of Las Vegas’s most lavish resorts. The pool is designed so that its lower basin can be viewed through aquarium windows in the home’s wine room and entertainment area.
“The lighting at night is simply mind-boggling,” says Ken Lowman. “Add in the dramatic fountains and waterfalls and the fire elements and it takes you into a whole different world.”
Price: Recently sold for $7 million
Contact: Ken Lowman, Luxury Homes of Las Vegas, 702.216.4663; www.luxuryhomesoflasvegas.com
SANTA FE, New Mexico
Located just five minutes from downtown Santa Fe, this estate compound comes with a 7,535-square-foot adobe main residence, a gatehouse and a guesthouse. It sits on a 4.5-acre knoll with plenty of room for its own putting green and nature trails. There are 14 fireplaces throughout the estate and numerous indoor-outdoor areas for taking in views of the surrounding mountains and parks, along with the Santa Fe cityscape.
But it is the oasis-like pool that truly dazzles. The infinity-edge design boasts rock grottoes, along with a state-of-the-art lighting system, and its diving board is crafted from local stone.
“It’s like swimming in a remote canyon surrounded by the natural landscape,” says Marilyn Foss, of Sotheby’s International Realty/Santa Fe. “From the moment you step in you feel as if you are far, far away.”
Price: Upon request
Contact: Marilyn Foss, Sotheby’s International Realty/Santa Fe, 505.984.5138; www.sothebyshomes.com
