The two houses featured in this issue of CUSTOM HOME OUTDOORS are close to perfect. They have spectacular sites, one-in-a-million lots, really. And they’re both located in regions where the climate is splendid for most of the year. Each glories in a spectacular view. So of course both houses are designed for outdoor living. Who wouldn’t want to be able to live outside in such enviable places?
But what if your clients don’t live in such perfect spots? What if they’re looking out their windows right now, just as I am, and all they see is snow piled up everywhere? And maybe the weatherman is telling them that more snow is on the way, and they’ve got cabin fever in a bad way.
These are the people who need a fabulous backyard. Even if they can’t get outside for half the year or more, folks who’ve been deprived of sunlight for months cherish the warm, sunny part of the year. A Connecticut custom builder told me that well-landscaped grounds with places designed specifically for outdoor living, dining, and playing were de rigueur in his market. Though they weren’t used year-round, he said that just made them more precious when the homeowners could finally get out.
Another benefit of a well-executed landscape plan is that it will turn a ho-hum lot into a special place. A landscape designed for outdoor living can enhance a good view, but when there’s no view what better way to compensate than with an interesting backyard? The outdoor spaces become the view and improve the quality of the site.
So go ahead and enjoy the houses in this issue; they’re close to perfect. But if you’re working in a less perfect climate or on a run-of-the-mill lot, rise to the challenge. You can pump up the excitement by giving your clients a place to live outside, at least for part of the year, that’s as gracious as the one you’ve given them inside.
