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In my opinion, all gardens should have some form of water feature. Whether it be a swimming pool or a bird bath, this belief is held by many passionate gardeners and garden designers. Recently, I have been enjoying Sir Roy Strong’s book, Garden Party, where he shares his thoughts on this subject. Personally, I have a strong desire to incorporate a water element into our country garden. I am particularly drawn to the idea of a long, narrow reflecting pond with dark, mysterious depths that resemble a mirror reflecting the dancing silvery clouds on its surface. However, since we are renting our cottage, I will have to settle for something less grand, perhaps an old stone trough instead of an elegant reflecting pond.
To answer your initial question, not all swimming pools are tasteless. However, they are not all created equal. I must admit that I am not a fan of bright blue pools. Although they can work in certain contexts, such as in a David Hockney painting or in a California setting with colorful loungers, I find the luminous blue color too harsh and garish. In an English garden, a bright blue pool would look out of place and I prefer a pool that blends harmoniously with its surroundings.
Allow me to share some inspirational swimming pool examples that I personally admire. One pool that often comes to mind is the pool at Asthall Manor, located near me in the country. Asthall Manor is a Jacobean manor and was once the home of the Mitford sisters. Nowadays, it hosts sculpture exhibitions and various events. The pool at Asthall is remarkable for several reasons. It is a natural pool with waterlilies and is surrounded by grass on all sides. I adore the idea of grass extending right up to the pool’s edge, which is much more appealing than concrete or excessive tiling. One end of the pool is accompanied by a charming pool house resembling a miniature Swiss cottage, painted in pale blue and dark green, with a corrugated iron roof. The pool blends seamlessly with this rustic aesthetic.
Another favorite pool of mine is located in the Painswick Rococo Garden, which is also nearby in the Cotswolds. This pool is more of a plunge pool, with a mossy stone surround and a mesmerizing garden view. What I appreciate about this pool is how well it fits into its environment. Nestled in a shady corner surrounded by lush greenery, it almost feels hidden and adds an element of surprise. I find this romantic and grotto-like vision much more appealing than a large, chemical-filled pool resembling a generic health club, complete with rows of sun loungers.
Lastly, I must mention the pool at La Colombe d’Or, one of my favorite hotels in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The backdrop of trees and mountains, along with the ivy-covered hotel, creates an idyllic setting. What sets this pool apart is its green tiles, which give the water a beautifully inviting turquoise color. It complements the old stone buildings and surrounding vegetation perfectly. If the pool were a bright blue, it would ruin the overall effect. Additionally, a Calder sculpture adorns the edge of the pool, enhancing the sublime atmosphere even further.
Now, if I were to offer some advice, I would suggest considering a natural swimming pond. Asthall Manor’s pool was actually converted from a regular pool to a natural one. It is also possible to convert regular ponds into swimming pools. In my opinion, natural pools are far more appealing than standard blue pools. They are environmentally-friendly, attract wildlife, and seamlessly blend with the landscape. As described in a 2018 Country Life article, they resemble real ponds with dragonflies hovering over the reeds and waterlilies floating on the surface. These pools allow for a mud-free entry as they have a shallow shelf with oxygenating plants that clean the water, and a barrier separates the shelf from swimmers. If you decide to go the natural route, I would recommend exploring companies such as Gartenart and Clear Water Revival. The idea of a natural swimming pool, perhaps with an 18th-century style shell grotto, is quite enticing. It’s something to dream about.
If you have any further questions or would like advice on design and stylish living, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Instagram @lukeedwardhall. Stay updated with our latest stories by following @FTProperty on Twitter or @ft_houseandhome on Instagram.
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