Key Takeaways:
This project wasn’t about adding features. It was about creating a yard this family would use every day.
The pool, the spa, the sports court, the boardwalk, and the gathering spaces were all designed around one idea: keep everyone outside without the space ever feeling crowded.
— Multiple destinations. The layout gives kids, adults, and guests their own areas without separating the experience.
— It’s built for real use. Big gatherings, kids running, quiet evenings — the layout supports all of it at once.
— It feels like a private resort, not because of one feature, but because of how everything works together.
A Utah Luxury Backyard Designed for Family Living
This Utah project is one of the most incredible yards we have seen come to life. It’s packed with features for kids, families, and guests. Everybody can spend time in this space together.
It started out as an empty lot, and the transformation is dramatic. We added covered areas, an oversized pool, jumping rocks, a massive spa, sports courts, a boardwalk-style pathway, multiple cozy seating areas, and more.
This yard takes advantage of every square inch of space. Keep reading for a full walk-through of this Utah luxury backyard design.
Or, if you’re ready for a free quote, click the button below to book a free design consultation call with our team today.
Front Yard Landscape Design & Architectural Entry
When we first got connected with this project, it was a blank slate. The architects had already designed the home, but the front yard still had a lot of potential that needed to be unlocked.
We added several elements, but two key features define the entrance.
Water Feature at the Entry
Instead of a stairway walking straight up to the front door, we created a water feature in front of the entrance. It almost feels like the water is being poured from the house itself. Placing it there enhances the approach and makes the entry feel more intentional.
Tripled Arches
The architect had designed a beautiful archway against the home. We decided to triple up and add two more arches to create more of a grand entrance. The repetition makes the house feel substantial and takes the entry to another level.
Interior Design That Frames the Utah Landscape
Inside the living room, the first thing you notice is the mountain view because the interior designer lets the Utah landscape take the focus. The style leans natural modern, combining traditional elements with warm tones. There’s a real sense of coziness and home in this space.
Entering the Backyard: From Blank Slate to Resort-Style Outdoor Living
When we started, the backyard was just a blank slate with the outline of a pool. It almost didn’t feel like what exists now was possible.
Now the space completely transports you, with dynamic layers and different areas to discover as you move through the yard. There are so many fun features designed specifically for our client’s kids, but it still feels elevated and intentional.
Custom Pool Design with Raised Architectural Edge
One thing that stands out about the pool is the raised ledge along the entire edge. It’s two feet wide, and that added height and width gives the pool presence and stature. At night, the integrated lighting highlights this detail even more.
This also gives you somewhere to sit or set a beverage. It is a detail that elevates the space but is actually really functional as well.
Beach Entry Area for Family-Friendly Pool Design
This family loves entertaining with kids, so we created a shallow beach area with about 12 inches of water. The plaster is finished with a sand-like texture. And we placed a rock next to it so a parent can sit on the edge and watch their kids play. It’s a beachy family area designed specifically with kids in mind.
Resort-Style Daybed Island in the Pool
An oversized island anchors part of the pool with a daybed installed on top. The porcelain wood tile veneer and oversized cover create a resort-like feel. Even when you are not in the water, the view from this spot is impressive.
Oversized Spa Design with Integrated Water Feature
The spa we designed is oversized — big enough for the whole family and guests with seats for 20–25 people.
And there are two hidden elements you might miss if you’re not looking closely.
One is a concealed table in the center where you can set a drink. The other is a central bench. Because the spa is so large, you do not want people sitting too far away from each other. The bench brings everyone closer so conversation flows naturally.
The final element is the water feature. A subtle trough pours into the edge spa and creates a strong sense of tranquility. Whether you are using it or simply looking at it, the visual impact is incredible.
Built-In Dining Table in the Pool
Another unique feature is a full-scale dining table built directly into the pool. It is the first time we have done something like this.
On hot summer days in Utah, you can have lunch poolside and then hop right back into the water. It is functional and fun at the same time.
Jumping Rocks for an Interactive Pool Experience
One thing we prioritized in this yard was creating spaces that are fun. And while the rock work looks great, it was actually designed so the kids have something they can jump off of and into the water.
There are two jumping rocks. One sits along the edge and another is positioned more centrally, creating a second jumping experience. It makes the pool even more interactive.
11-Foot Stone-Clad Wall with Swing and Rain Curtain
At the far end of the pool, an 11-foot stone-clad wall anchors this part of the yard and introduces a level of scale that feels like a resort.
We used the wall as more than just a backdrop. There are cozy swings hanging from it and, behind that, a rain curtain that adds visual interest and the ambient sound of trickling water to the yard.
Sunken Outdoor Living Room with Linear Fire Feature
This yard plays with levels, which makes it feel dynamic. The pool is raised two steps, while the outdoor living room is slightly sunken. The contrast elevates the space and gives each individual area its own identity while still feeling cohesive with the whole yard.
There’s a 25-foot fire pit anchoring the center of this seating area — a must-have for a yard in Utah with colder winters. This gives our clients the perfect place for family and friends to gather.
Riverbank-Inspired Side Yard Landscape Design
Side yards are usually forgotten spaces. In this project, it became one of the most impressive areas of the entire yard.
We designed a boardwalk-style path that weaves through layered grasses and reed lighting, creating something that feels especially powerful at night. The intention was to capture a riverbank atmosphere. Steel fire bowls line the space, and with the combination of grasses, firelight, and nearby water movement, the experience feels immersive and calm.
Backyard Putting Green & Multi-Sport Court Design
The boardwalk leads you straight into what is easily a kid’s dream area.
On one side, you have the putting green, broken into multiple sections with subtle slopes so it’s actually fun to play — not just something flat you hit a few balls on and walk away from.
Just beyond that sits the exterior sports court, positioned directly in front of a full-scale interior basketball court.
Outdoor Wellness Area with Sauna & Cold Plunge
Adding a wellness area has become one of the most common requests we get, and this project was no exception.
The wellness area includes an outdoor shower with foot wash and rain curtain, a cold plunge, a bench designed for towels and changing, a fridge for drinks, a yoga deck with space for two, a mounted TV, and a custom sauna positioned toward the view.
Luxury Outdoor Kitchen & Patio Design
The patio is the heart of the yard. It’s the central gathering zone where everything naturally comes together.
The space includes a grill, pizza oven, refrigeration, an oversized custom dining table, a swim-up bar, and a large screen. You can cook, sit at the bar, watch a game, and have people swimming up to join the conversation — all at the same time.
Elevated Deck for Outdoor Movie Nights
Just off the main gathering space, we raised a section of decking to create a dedicated area for outdoor movie nights.
You can have a game on in one area, people swimming at the bar, kids on the court, and a movie playing here — and the space still feels connected.
A Luxury Yard Of Your Own
From the front yard water feature and triple-arched entry to the raised pool, oversized spa, jumping rocks, riverbank side yard, wellness retreat, sports court, and central gathering space, every part of this Utah backyard was designed with intention.
This property started as a blank slate. Now it’s a layered outdoor environment where kids can play, adults can relax, and everyone can be outside together at the same time.
If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your own backyard, book a free design consultation call. We’d love to help you bring something like this to life.
Book a free design consultation with Foxterra, and let’s bring your outdoor space to life.
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We designed this epic Utah backyard with so many features for families, guests, and fun. It started as a blank slate.
And we turned it into the ultimate backyard resort complete with jumping rocks, a river-bank inspired boardwalk, an oversized pool, massive daybeds, sports courts, and more.
We’re showing you…
– How the space is designed to take advantage of the gorgeous Utah landscape
– How we designed a pool that’s perfect for entertaining and designed for the entire family to spend time together
– How all the elements work together to create a true resort-like experience in the space
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a backyard feel like a luxury resort?
A: Layered spaces, integrated water and fire features, intentional lighting, and dedicated zones for dining, relaxation, and activity all contribute to a resort-style feel.
Q: How do you design a backyard that works for both kids and adults?
A: The key is creating activity zones that feel connected but not chaotic, combining sports courts, pools, fire features, and seating areas in a cohesive layout. And adding features that are fun.
Q: Is an outdoor wellness area worth adding?
A: Yes. Features like a sauna, cold plunge, and yoga deck extend usability year-round and elevate the overall backyard experience.
Q: What are the benefits of a raised pool design?
A: A raised pool edge not only elevates the look of your pool, but it also adds functionality. It gives you space to sit, rest your feet, or set a drink and snacks.
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.
For this project, Justin helped shape a backyard that feels immersive the moment you step into it . The pool, the spa, the fire features, and the activity zones are all designed so this family can spend more time together, outside.
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.
In recent features, Nate’s perspective has been quoted across leading design publications, including Homes & Gardens and Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living, where he shares practical, design-forward guidance on everything from integrating sculptural moments and sightlines to creating “living wall” effects that soften hard architecture and make compact spaces feel more expansive.
