Suburban Sanctuary

Deep in the suburbs of Caledonia lies a backyard paradise complete with a swimming pond!

Two people snorkeling in a rocky pond, observed by a small dog, surrounded by rocks and greenery.

The Vision

A pond, a pool…or both?

This family wanted a sanctuary in their backyard—a place to unwind, but also to play the days away. For these outdoorsy folks, a conventional swimming pool wasn’t really what they were looking for. But they wanted a pond.

Enter…the swimming pond!

Backyard with a serene pond, surrounded by rocks and plants. Two Adirondack chairs face it, under a clear blue sky.

The Design

Taking the plunge!

The homeowners came to us with a local landscaper’s drawings in hand and we helped with the water part. Swimming ponds are always a blast to design. This one is a “plunge” pond—three feet deep, with friendly koi fish, flagstone steps & floor, and a waterfall that you can sit in!

Our favourite part? What we call “sitting spots,” which are basically a natural take on the Baja shelf. These little nooks are shallower spots on the edges of the pond where one can sit in the water while basking in the sun.

Key Design Features

Clear pond with stones and rocks lining the edge, reflecting cloudy sky; serene natural setting with tranquil water surface.

Flagstone Steps & Floor

Locally quarried natural flagstone lines the steps and bottom of the pond. Granite edges reminiscent of the Canadian Shield make this pond feel like Muskoka!

A small dog with a black and brown coat stands in shallow, clear water surrounded by stones and rippling reflections.

Sitting Shelves

Take a seat on one of the shelves lining the edge of the pond, or maybe wander over to the waterfall and sit there instead.

A person in colorful swim trunks stands in a garden pond, surrounded by lush greenery and rocks, looking closely at the plants.

A Healthy Ecosystem

No more beautiful days wasted playing video games. Instead, the backyard is the place to connect (with nature, that is).

The Results

Cooling off has never been so much fun.

Today, the swimming pond is the focal point of the backyard, with a fire pit built right next to it. On hot summer days, our clients’ two kids can be found swimming and exploring the ecosystem with their dog.