Beautiful energy, natural light and a relaxing design inspired by coastal living. There’s so much to admire about this gorgeous home and garden. We sit down with homeowner Megan for a Q&A.
What inspired the overall design aesthetic of your home and garden?
We aimed to create a peaceful, relaxing space inspired by coastal living. A statement front fence and entrance way give a taste of what's inside. The curved wall invites you in, and the solid hardwood gate contrasts with the walls. The pathway feels like a "boardwalk to the beach." Breeze block walls hint at the home's 1950s origins and serve as a beautiful backdrop. Large-scaled steppers create secondary pathways. Copper elements, like the outdoor shower and garden lights, add cohesion.
What led you to transform an old courtyard into a central pool, and what are the benefits and challenges?
The old courtyard was unused and hot. A small, sun-drenched pool made the space usable and visually pleasing from many angles. The pool area includes gardens, lounging spaces, and a covered cabana. The natural stone, Sukabumi, adds depth and character. The space gets very hot, so we added cacti and tropical plants. The pool garden is low maintenance with limestone pavers and simple furniture.
Where did you find inspiration for your plant selections and arrangements?
I found inspiration everywhere—from images of plants to other people's gardens. I loved the idea of a feature cactus and a Dragon Tree for the front garden. Our landscaper, Luke from FLETCHER LANDSCAPES, helped put together a garden plan based on my preferences. He suggested planting in groups of 3 for impact and added plants like Silver Spoons and Zoysia Tenufolia. The garden has layered heights and muted colours, allowing the eye to cast over the entire space.
Which spot in your home and garden do you find yourself drawn to most?
The pool area is my favourite. It is completely private and feels like a little haven. It's calming and nurturing, with pool villa vibes.
Any advice for someone starting to create their own garden oasis?
Pick plants you love but consider the soil and local conditions. Our home is built on an old sand dune, so replacing the soil with a more nutrient-dense type made a huge difference.
How do you maintain the garden and keep it looking lush and healthy year-round?
The front garden is low maintenance. We have an automatic pop-up watering system for the front grass and a drip system for the inside front garden. The plants seem to thrive in good soil and spots they love.
If you could do one thing differently, what would it be and why?
I wouldn't change anything; I love all of it!
Barefoot & Salty is soon opening its doors for a photoshoot location! Tell us more about this!
Our daughter, a photographer, converted her old bedroom into a studio, which led to more shoots around the pool and other unique pockets of the house. The house has beautiful energy and natural light, so we decided to register as a shoot location and share this amazing space!
Credits:
Landscape Design by Fletcher Landscaper
Images supplied by Megan from Barefoot & Salty
