Getting through this 'English drought'.....

While the rain beats down in the UK today, I thought I'd give us some eye candy to buck up the spirits. (Do try and be happy for the owners of these lovely pools!)

I remembered this house where the beautiful indoor/outdoor pool was tucked underneath a first floor balcony. Ceiling to floor folding doors run the whole length of the room so when rolled back the pool becomes part of the walled patio area. All white walls, tiles, tree planters and furniture provide a sleek canvass for the pink lights and blue water. Comfy sofas and a plasma TV make this incredible area the ultimate entertainment and dining space. You're probably wondering what happens to the plasma screen if it rains. Well, the staff bring it in.

Another long, sleek pool, this time partly covered by the overhang, but with the same ceiling to floor doors which brings the pool right up to the kitchen and dining area. Concrete slabs at each end of the pool provide walk-overs so the pool can run the entire length of the house.








I love this transformation of a 1970's bungalow into a 21st century dream house using glass, concrete and cedar.  Fake grass keeps the space immaculate all year and softens the hard stone and wood.

The trend for long narrow pools makes it possible to fit a pool into the smallest area

Or perhaps a sunken hot tub set into stone if space is really tight. Panels slide back from this bedroom to link the bedroom with the garden for that emergency morning plunge.









Now for some overseas properties which enjoy more sunshine hours than is really necessary .....

Size isn't everything. Here a tiny plunge pool provides a welcome break when you get bored of gazing at that glorious view through the glass wall









A four poster bed was easily converted into a sun deck, nestled into the corner of a Spanish garden and enjoying the sound of water trickling into the plunge pool.  

The hills of Kalkan in Turkey lend themselves perfectly to infinity pools, and they have become a must-have to almost all the new villas. 










The winter ski-season extends into a summer paradise with the addition of this refreshing pool enjoying stunning views over the mountains of Morzine.

A tiny Tuscan retreat with covered dining area. All white curtains and cushions and the addition of wooden decking around the pool have turned this traditional stone cottage into a stylish contemporary retreat

OK, you can take things too far. I just see danger all over this!

Drinking .... slippy floors ... crawling babies ...and how would you let the dog out? 

Maybe a Mr & Mrs Smith retreat for sensible people :/





So, all my UK friends, I hope you feel happy and uplifted now!  Just turn the fire up, grab that blanket and a good book and don't look out the window!