Key Takeaways:
When it comes to waterfront property, exterior design isn’t just about how it feels when you’re standing in it — it’s about how it looks from every direction. Here’s how we approached this one:
When it comes to waterfront property in South Florida, yard design is about more than just functionality. It’s about how your outdoor space looks and feels from every direction. Including the water. Here’s how we gave this Boca Raton home a yard that looks incredible from every angle:
– Design for Every Perspective: When your property is visible from the water, every line, light, and material matters. This yard was built to impress the family who lives there and everyone who passes by on their boat.
– Balance Modern with Warmth: The architecture leaned contemporary, so we layered in planters, greenery, and texture to bring warmth and balance.
– Maximize Every Foot of Space: From a sunken turf lounge to a rooftop pickleball court, every part of this yard serves a purpose. It’s designed to be intentional and functional.
How do you design a backyard that makes a statement not only for the family that uses it every day but for the people who see it from the water?
This luxury waterfront property in Boca Raton, Florida does exactly that. From an acrylic-sided spa and custom rain curtain to a rooftop pickleball court, the design creates impact from every angle.
This project is one of over seventy Foxterra-designed Florida properties, each tailored to the way our clients live and the landscape around them. To see a yard we’ve designed near you, check out the “Locations” tab on our website here.
Ready to transform your own yard? Click the button below to book a free call with our team to get started today.
Before and After: Total Transformation
It’s hard to believe how different this property looks now. Before, it was a simple backyard. After our redesign, it became an immersive, multifunctional outdoor space built for both family living and entertaining.
We created a large lounging area that opens to the water, giving the family a place to relax and enjoy the view while maintaining flexibility for parties and gatherings.
This balance between everyday function and entertaining potential is something many Foxterra clients look for.
But, we also had to ensure this yard looks incredible from the water, as well. The property is right on the waterway, and our clients wanted to add a “WOW” factor element for anyone passing by on boat to enjoy, too.
Front Yard Transformation
The front yard looked very different than it does now when we started this project. Originally, this home was traditional in style. During construction, you could see the transformation coming to life, with concrete bases, cladded stone blocks, and an entirely new architectural style taking shape.
Now, it stands as a modern architectural statement.
Inside, interior designer Torrey Frederick crafted a warm, modern aesthetic. Our challenge was to carry that same feeling into the outdoor design, creating a seamless flow between interior and exterior.
Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area
The outdoor kitchen became a true extension of the home. Lined with porcelain slabs that mimic natural stone but are easier to maintain, it’s a functional space built for everyday living.
Its proximity to the indoor kitchen makes entertaining effortless, but the real goal was to add warmth to the modern framework.
We incorporated oversized planters filled with king palms, sega palms, and lush tropical greenery. The natural tones and organic forms soften the home’s geometry and make the space feel grounded and inviting. Perfect to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Turf Lounge Area
One of my favorite parts of this yard wasn’t even in the original plan.
We proposed dropping the elevation of this section next to the water to create a turf lounge surrounded by water views. The client loved the idea. By lowering it, we added separation from the pool, subtle lighting, and a more intimate feel.
Sitting here, you’re surrounded by the waterway on two sides. It’s peaceful, open, and perfectly framed by the home’s lines.
The Acrylic Spa and Fire Feature
This spa was designed to turn heads, both for the family using it and for anyone passing by.
From both ends of the Boca Raton waterway, the acrylic spa glows like a piece of art. It’s functional, sculptural, and completely unique.
The linear fire feature behind it defines the edge between the spa and the pool. At night, the fire reflects off the water, creating a calm, cinematic moment that becomes the emotional centerpiece of the yard.
The Raised Deck and Rain Curtain
This feature might be compact, but it makes a big impact.
Due to Boca Raton city code limitations, we had to work with a smaller footprint for the covered deck. By raising the platform, changing the floor material, and integrating a small bar, we gave the space its own identity.
The rain curtain adds movement and sound, giving the area a sensory quality that feels peaceful. The elevation change creates subtle separation, which makes the whole yard feel even more dynamic.
Material Choices for Oceanfront Living
The overhead structure looks like wood, but it’s actually Versatex, a high-performance foam material that’s ideal for oceanfront properties. It resists salt, humidity, and weathering, making it perfect for Florida coastal homes.
Pairing it with a faux green wall and layered lighting created warmth and contrast against the modern architecture.
The Rooftop Deck and Pickleball Court
The rooftop deck is full of hidden surprises.
This third-story retreat includes a full bar, lounge area, and one of the first rooftop pickleball courts we’ve designed. When the client asked if it was possible, we made it happen.
The views of Boca Raton’s waterways from up here are incredible, and playing pickleball at sunset is an experience you can’t really replicate anywhere else.
Transforming Your Yard
Our goal at Foxterra is always the same: to bring the property’s full potential to life.
This home already had an incredible foundation. We helped refine it into something that feels complete — a waterfront design that’s just as striking from the water as it is from inside the home.
If your property feels underutilized or lacks cohesion, our team can help you transform it into something unforgettable.
Click the button below to book a free design consultation call with our team today. We can’t wait to help you finally get a yard you love.
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How do you make a yard stand out in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Florida? In this Boca Raton project, Foxterra Design created a backyard that makes a statement both for the family who lives there and for every boat cruising by on the waterway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes this Boca Raton backyard unique?
A: It combines a rooftop pickleball court, an acrylic spa visible from the water, and architectural detailing that blends luxury with comfort.
Q: What materials were chosen for oceanfront durability?
A: Foxterra used Versatex because it’s durable for oceanfront properties, porcelain slabs for the outdoor kitchen, and synthetic turf for long-term performance.
Q: How does Foxterra balance modern architecture with warmth?
A: By layering greenery, planters, and natural textures throughout the design to soften clean architectural lines.
Q: Does Foxterra design projects outside of Florida?
A: Yes. While many projects are in South Florida, Foxterra designs luxury outdoor spaces nationwide.
Behind The Blog
Justin Fox
Founder & Creative Director
Founder Justin Fox grew up with a passion for landscaping. After 15+ years building luxury yards and pools as a licensed contractor, he saw the limits of the design/build model. Homes get detailed, architect-led plans, so why shouldn’t yards? In 2019 he convinced brother Nate Fox to join him and launched Foxterra Design to focus on immersive, luxury outdoor spaces.
Today, Foxterra creates resort-style residential environments for clients worldwide, pairing rigorous planning with bold imagination. Their work has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, in Architectural Digest, and other leading design outlets.
For this story, Justin explores how the team turned a Boca Raton property into a statement on luxury waterfront living, complete with an acrylic spa, a rain curtain, and a rooftop pickleball court.
Nate Fox
Designer
Nate Fox helps shape Foxterra’s creative vision, blending architectural detail with a designer’s eye for proportion and flow. His work redefines the backyard as an extension of modern luxury living.
