Homebuyers welcome new design trend—outdoor living spaces

By Nicole Richardson-Smith

Embracing the beauty and tranquility of nature, outdoor living brings traditionally indoor gathering spaces such as dining rooms and family rooms outside. By obscuring lines between indoor living spaces and the outside, outdoor living has become one of the latest design trends in Atlanta.

Features of outdoor living can range from the simplicity of a fire pit to the extravagance of a fully functional outdoor kitchen and adjacent living area and fireplace.

“Outdoor living is the new dining room,” says Phil Corley, vice president of marketing for Pathway Communities, whose development, River Rock, is built on the shores of the Etowah River. “We are seeing less formal dining rooms and more outdoor living spaces.”

Benefiting from Atlanta’s temperate climate and picturesque locations, builders and developers are providing homeowners the opportunity to fashion their own outdoor retreat. By creating an extension of the home, outdoor living provides additional space for entertaining and relaxing. “Outdoor living is a natural, healthy and somewhat unique opportunity for Atlanta,” says Lisa Justus, a builder with Benchmark Homes. “Entertaining becomes more fun and engaging because now you have another hostess—the great outdoors.”

From loggias to verandas to porticos to patios, the customizable features of outdoor living are endless. “Most of the loggias and verandas we design are covered and arched with columns and fireplaces, opening up to the outdoors,” explains Justus. In Benchmark Homes’ Masterpiece Collection, homeowners decide upon features to create their fireside outdoor living setting, including outdoor lighting and music options, fireplaces, pools, hot tubs, water fountains, kitchens and living areas.

While creating an outdoor oasis in one’s backyard, developers of some of Atlanta’s newest communities are also taking advantage of the natural surroundings. Take for instance Tributary—a community located by the Chattahoochee River and the 2,500-acre Sweetwater Creek State Park.

The community’s location affords abundant opportunities for hiking and water sports such as fishing, kayaking and canoeing. The community also boasts a private course for mountain biking created by national bike trail designer Mike Riter. “We are seeing increased interest in extreme sports like mountain biking and kayaking,” explains Frank Gilligan, sales and marketing director of Tributary. “Buyers are moving away from outdoor spaces that require maintenance and toward usable outdoor recreation spaces with private gardens, barbecue areas and outdoor fireplaces.”

Tributary’s many neighborhood parks and activity centers feature pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, sports fields, playgrounds and dog parks provide an array of green spaces as well as an opportunity for fellowship. Additionally, plans for an outdoor adventure center on the banks of Sweetwater Creek include the rental of outdoor sporting equipment, fly fishing and spin casting instruction and connectivity to the trail system winding through Tributary and Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Similarly, River Rock also embraces the great outdoors with a 250-acre custom home community situated by the Etowah River in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. “With a view of the river and 40 percent preserved green space, River Rock makes for the perfect outdoor living environment, not just with the outdoor fireplace and kitchens offered with our homes, but also for the outdoor living spaces in the community,” explains Corley.

These community living spaces include an outdoor fireplace and grills, two saline pools, tennis courts and walking trails winding through woods and the river bank. The community will also play host to a future amphitheater, located in a hollow with a view of the nearby Etowah River.

Natural vistas and views surround Newland Community’s Sterling on the Lake located in Flowery Branch. Offering a 45-acre central lake and 30-acres of smaller lakes, this community also features pools, tennis courts, parks, playgrounds and community dock access—not to mention the meandering walking trails with views of waterfalls and a two-story tree house for the children. The community’s Village Center and Lakeside Pavilion provide the perfect atmosphere for socializing with neighbors or planning a barbecue.

Homes at Sterling on the Lake feature additional aspects of outdoor living including outdoor kitchens with up to 700 square feet of cabinet space, allowing homeowners to whip up a meal while still being able to enjoy the outdoors and their guests. “More and more we are placing value on our downtime and outdoor living provides beautiful spaces we can enjoy at home,” says Tracy Haney, a consultant with David Weekly Homes at Sterling on the Lake.

Outdoor living also provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. “When you’ve spent the day in an office or car, the outdoors provides a welcome release and opportunity to breathe some fresh air and enjoy the space,” says Gilligan. Not to mention that Atlanta’s mild climate fosters outdoor living year round. “It’s a rare day in Atlanta when you’re cooped up indoors.”

While aspects of outdoor living can be pricy, there are ways to create the ambiance of the outdoors while still on a budget. By treating outdoor living space as an investment, homeowners can plan big but start small, adding details and features along the way.

Another suggestion is to incorporate outdoor living costs with new construction homes so that the price can be included in the mortgage. Doing so also allows the homeowner to tailor the outdoor living features to their needs during the pre-sale.

“Outdoor living can be a cost-effective way to entertain and be with family, and as the fuel and retail prices increase, people are looking for ways to stay at home and be entertained,” say Corley.

Whether it is mingling with neighbors, spending time with the family or enjoying the retirement years, the attraction of outdoor living is alluring across the board. “The features of outdoor living appeal to people of all stages of life,” says Haney. “From the empty nesters to the family of five who are barbecuing while watching over the children playing in the yard, the overall appealing atmosphere of outdoor living tugs at people.”