Where Vision Shapes the Landscape
Anchored Intentions
The Homeowners
This was a story years in the making. From the moment they moved into their home, the clients behind the Trails End Project knew they wanted more for their backyard. But they didn’t rush the process. Instead, they waited for the right moment and the right partner, someone who could help them build something distinct, not just different.
They came to Atlantic RIDGE with a concept already in mind: a lagoon-style pool that would feel immersive and secluded. They were clear about one thing, it couldn’t look like a typical backyard pool. They wanted something darker, richer, more natural in tone and texture.
The conversation began with aesthetics, but what unfolded was a relationship built on trust, communication, and a shared vision for timeless outdoor living.
The Dream
From day one, the homeowners knew they did not want a flashy, Caribbean-blue pool that would dominate the space. Instead, they wanted a deep-toned, lagoon-style pool that blended into the landscape as if it had always been there.
Their goal was to elevate the backyard from a flat, grassy expanse into a layered, livable space that encouraged relaxation and brought natural materials into harmony.
They didn’t come to Atlantic RIDGE looking for a sales pitch. They came looking for collaboration and that’s what they got.
The Plan
The homeowners had already decided on the type of pool they wanted. That meant the job for Atlantic RIDGE was not to start with a blank canvas, but to build a design around an anchor.
Designed the landscape to complement a custom ebony-toned lagoon pool
Integrated naturalistic elements to enhance the pool’s setting
Preserved flow and function while maximizing visual presence
Chose materials and spatial arrangements to reflect the intended mood: calm, grounded, and rich
This was a design effort focused on cohesion not just making something that looked good, but something that felt right.
The Details
The visual centerpiece of the space is the lagoon-style pool, custom-selected by the homeowners. Every other design element had to respond to that decision.
Pool surface color: dark and reflective, creating a natural lagoon effect
Landscaping: layered and restrained, designed to let the pool shine
Flow: careful transitions between hardscape and planting beds, between open spaces and edges
Mood: modern but soft, sophisticated without being stark
It’s a space that doesn’t beg for attention, it holds it quietly.
The Hurdles
Working with a specific pool vision came with unique design challenges. The dark tone of the pool was beautiful but unforgiving. It required every surrounding element to be precisely chosen to match its character.
“They wanted a dark lagoon-looking pool, and that challenged it to make everything fit around it and make it feel as if it was in the right space.”
Atlantic RIDGE didn’t back away from the challenge. They leaned into it. Every choice, from the plantings to the hardscape to the flow of foot traffic, was made to reinforce the pool’s immersive presence.
The Reveal
The final result far exceeded what the homeowners envisioned. They had ideas and preferences, but Atlantic RIDGE brought it to life in a way they hadn’t anticipated.
“We had kind of an idea of what we wanted to do, but Chris just took it to another level. It's far exceeded what we expected, for sure, especially our pool.”
The backyard is no longer just a yard. It is now a private retreat, a place to decompress, to gather, and to appreciate the value of patient planning and thoughtful design.
The Relationship
This wasn’t just another job for Atlantic RIDGE. The clients were longtime friends and collaborators. In fact, Angie, one of the homeowners, had previously hired Chris for an earlier project. After that experience, she told him:
“You need to hire me.”
She persisted for over a year. And eventually, she became part of the Atlantic RIDGE team. Today, Angie works within the company, and her son is following close behind.
What began as a backyard project evolved into something much deeper: a working relationship built on trust and mutual respect, and a home landscape that reflects all of it.
Chris’s Reflection
“This one was all about making the pool feel like it belonged. They didn’t want it to be showy—they wanted something timeless, and that’s what we aimed for. Seeing the whole space come together, knowing how much trust Angie and Scott placed in us, it’s one of those projects that really sticks with you. It’s not just work when it’s people you care about.”
Legacy & Lifestyle
The Trails End Project reflects what Atlantic RIDGE does best: transforming vision into legacy. What began as a conversation about a dream pool became a fully immersive experience that mirrors the homeowners’ lifestyle: calm, confident, and deeply intentional. It’s a space made for quiet mornings, effortless hosting, and the simple luxury of loving where you live.
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START YOUR OUTDOOR TRANSFORMATION
Eager to elevate your outdoor living experience? Reach out now for your initial consultation. Let’s take the first step to crafting an outdoor space that exceeds your expectations and enhances your lifestyle.