NELSON BAY | A sophisticated blend of palm springs and tropical resort luxuries.

Having recently accomplished an extensive internal renovation, the clients of this beachside Nelson Bay property wanted to extend the living space out into the garden, making the most of the limited front lawn for their growing family to kick-back, relax and enjoy the resort lifestyle of the much-renowned holiday destination.

Situated just a stones throw from Nelson Bays’ best beaches, but set back along a busy road, this garden needed to stand out but feel connected to its local holiday surroundings while also offering privacy and sanctuary for the family to unwind. Taking cues from the refined palm springs design aesthetic of towering palms and dry tolerant planting arrangements with a relaxed, open plan outdoor living environment, this garden boldly combines this with a more resort style tropical planting palette with plenty of break-out zones to get lost in.

Upon arrival, newly placed Livistona palms endemic to The Hunter and Port-Stephens region frame the entryway, referencing the tall cabbage palms typical of palm springs landscapes. We wanted to bring in some typical palm springs elements while also offering a contemporary take, given the different Australian climate and beachside location. Lightly burnished floating concrete steps with LED strip lighting invite you to the front entryway. Beyond the garden gate a composite stone bathtub sets the tone, situated underneath an olive tree and surrounded by a generous tonal planting of cacti and tropical greens. To the left a copper outdoor shower is the perfect complement to rinse off after a surf.

As you move though and at the center of the garden a 6m x 2.5m plunge pool tiled in eye catching limestone checkerboard tiles anchors the space. The idea behind the water feature was to provide movement and create a gentle ambience, while also centering the focus, creating a quiet wellness sanctuary. The pool is bordered by a mix of timber batten and glass pool fencing with the margins blurred with tropical plants spilling through the fence to soften their presence.

Flowing from the living room and out into the alfresco area, a built-in fireplace extends the home with lush, King Living outdoor furniture making a distinguished statement. By incorporating outdoor furniture along with the built-in fireplace, the garden offers so much versatility and expands the footprint of the lounge room inside. We also incorporated a lightly tinted and burnished dining table to the alfresco area opening up the space to so many different entertaining possibilities.

The garden is now the relaxed, plant abundant and quiet retreat the clients envisaged – that successfully blends a sophisticated mix of palm springs and tropical wellness retreat elements and offers so much versatility and places to unwind.

Considering a garden like this for your space? Contact us to learn how you can turn your space into a relaxed, wellness retreat. If you’re thinking about incorporating a pool into your garden, read our article about how to choose the right pool for your project.