Can A Lovely Backyard Retreat Be Budget-Friendly?

As leaves on Long Island turn lemon, orange and flame red; as temperatures cool in the evening,
autumn in the Northeast becomes the ideal time to gather around an outdoor fireplace for warmth
and ambiance. Now, consider setting that fireplace next to a hot tub, underneath an attractive
pergola, and you have the makings of a backyard retreat that is more than just cozy. You have a
welcoming outdoor entertainment area that extends not just into Fall, but even into the snows of
winter.
You don’t have to be an outdoor living enthusiast -- an avid skier, cyclist, or hiker, for example --
to have a passion for nature. So the commitment we make to our clients is to help them create an
outdoor space that reflects an appreciation for nature and its major elements (land, water, air, and
fire), whether it be a major custom transformation or something more modest and
budget-friendly.
Cost-Saving Ideas:
For those on a budget, one way to keep costs down is to work from a scaled sketch and photos of
the products, rather than invest in a formal and intricate plan. For example, budget pergola and
fireplace kits can be half the price of custom ones and you can get a clear picture of what they
will look like before hand. Such kits can produce a beautiful outdoor stage for a Great Room –
the perfect spot for star gazing and sharing good times with family and friends.
But what if you want a moreelaborate outdoor retreat? Can you also keep that budget-friendly? Actually,yes! The best way to do that is to plan a retreat that can be done in phases.The following project showcase -- with its elegant decking, pergola withshingled roof and stately white columns, small pond, hot tub (underneath itsown separate pergola), stepping stone bridge and paths, a second, larger,vanishing-edge pond with waterfall and connecting stream -- was accomplished inthree phases.
A hot tub, with all its fantastic hydrotherapy capacity andrelaxation enjoyment, can also be a very desirable budget-friendly option tothe more expensive swimming pool by providing that vital and calming element ofnature -- water. In addition, by surrounding it with rocks and a small garden,or by setting it into a deck or patio, it can suggest an “in-ground” customlook even if it’s not. We often use Bullfrog Spas because they have lessplumbing than others. In addition, their removable jetted hot tub seats, calledJetPaks, allow them to be individually selected by the customer for a perfectmassage to relieve stress and increase flexibility. www.longislandhottub.com