Contemporary Durham

Built into a natural slope framed by towering pines, this elevated poolscape turned a challenging grade into a defining feature. The design uses the terrain to its advantage, creating a dramatic reveal where the pool visually ends into the pines beyond and a hidden into a lower-level seating area on their other side of the pool, turning elevation into experience.

A centerpiece of the space, the fireplace stands as a modern nod to classic design. Finished in clean white stucco, its silhouette is softened by the warmth of a reclaimed beam sourced from a historic farm and now repurposed as a rustic mantle. The entire area is wrapped in Terra Travertine in a French pattern, chosen for its rich texture and earthy tones that mirror the natural woodland setting beyond.

The pool itself is a serene body of water, with a Tahoe Blue pebbletec plaster reflecting the trees and sky with a stillness that feels both calming and connected to nature. It anchors the space while opening up the view, allowing the tree line to become a living backdrop framing every gathering, every fire-lit evening, and every quiet morning swim.