For John Herron, general manager of local design-build firm RSL Outdoor, having a true staycation is achieved when you’re able to find the fun in your own living spaces. Given the spectrum of adjustments many families are making as a result of the pandemic, he notes that it makes more sense than ever to try to make home feel like a place in which you can find sanctuary. “You shouldn’t have to head out of town to be able to relax,” says John. “By making certain adjustments, you can find a renewed sense of fun and relaxation in your own backyard.” John notes that any space can be designed to create a personal staycation oasis, and it’s an idea that was taken to the extreme in one recent RSL Outdoor project in Niwot. The goal for the property—situated on over an acre and a half of land with a view of Longs Peak—was to renovate its outdoor areas to create living spaces that all of the members of the family could enjoy even given their many different interests. “Large yards can be a challenge in terms of intimacy,” says John. “A poorly designed patio can feel exposed and not welcoming. For this project, we wanted everyone in the family to feel that they had a fun and interactive space to enjoy.” The result? An outdoor expanse segmented into numerous intimate living and recreational areas. The property includes four built-in fire features (including a fireplace and pergola in a sunken patio), a basketball court, a bocce area, a custom playhouse, a built-in hot tub, a grill island on a two-tier patio, a large synthetic putting green, vegetable gardens and ample spaces to stroll through and explore. RSL Outdoor specializes in creating exceptional outdoor living spaces that improve their clients’ quality of life and enjoyment of their homes. And, for John, projects like this are less about the multitude of features and more about the interactions they’ll play host to. “The right outdoor elements can really bring families closer,” says John. “By creating great outdoor gathering spaces, you can achieve a real sense of togetherness.”
Article by Lisa Van Horne
Photography by Ian Warren
Originally published in Boulder Lifestyle
