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Executive Lifestyles
Luxury Pools: Swimming in Style
of River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp
» Cost: More than $300,000. “The whole thing went over budget,” says Melynda Wakeman.
» Features: Chickee hut bar with stainless steel appliances at the poolside bar and serving area. The bar top is inlaid with Wakeman’s collection of fossilized shark teeth, conch shells and sea glass. A waterfall/grotto doubles as a dive platform. There’s a lazy river with current for in-place exercise swimming and an island with palm trees.
» Ambiance: Keeping the look natural, interesting and creative was key. Wakeman incorporated her love of plants. She’s most proud of preserving the live oak trees during construction and incorporating them into the pool layout. The family picked up design
tips from their travels, particularly to Costa Rica. “We took all of our favorite things from our favorite places and put them together in one pool,” says Wakeman.
» Design Team: Dennis Buford, Buford Construction Co.; Gary Kelly and Brian Blackburn, Kelly & Kelly Architects; Advantage Pool Builders, all in Stuart