Key Takeaways:
See how we turned an empty lot into a modern French château–inspired luxury backyard that our clients absolutely love.
They came to us with a blank slate. They knew they wanted something truly special, but weren’t sure how to achieve it. Our goal was to create a vacation-worthy Southern California outdoor space that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the South of France. Keep reading for the details, including:
– French-inspired garden layers: Boxwoods, round planters, and florals create the layered rhythm of a French garden, pulling the eye toward the home’s French doors.
– Cobblestones, reimagined: Small-scale tile echoes the cobblestone streets of France while grounding the exterior in timeless detail.
– Proportion that fits: The pool is modest, but the spa is oversized at nine by twelve—the perfect example of proportions customized around how the client lives.
– The balance of old and new: A traditional French-inspired fireplace paired with a modern mosaic spa defines the harmony of modern French château design.
– No space wasted: Even the narrow corners become destinations, with offset features turning every scrap of the yard into usable, intentional zones.
A Modern French Château–Inspired Luxury Backyard Transformation
See how we turned an empty lot into a modern French château–inspired luxury backyard design that our clients absolutely love.
They came to us with a blank slate. They knew they wanted something really special, but weren’t sure how to achieve it. Our goal was to create a vacation-worthy Southern California backyard that makes you feel like you’re in the South of France instead of Southern California.
The Front Yard: Subtle Elegance in French-Inspired Landscape Design
The façade of the home was already unique and beautifully French-inspired. Instead of competing with that architecture, we designed the landscape and hardscape to complement it.
French garden landscaping often relies on layers. We started with boxwoods, then added round planters behind them, and another floral layer beyond that. The whole point was to draw the eye toward the four French doors and frame the architecture rather than distract from it.
The hardscape details carry the same approach. The small-scale tile was chosen to subtly echo the cobblestone streets of France. Good design is always in the details, and every choice works together seamlessly in this luxury backyard design.
A Focal Point That Feels Like Art
From the entry, your eye is instantly pulled forward. The French-inspired outdoor fireplace at the far end almost feels like an oil painting come to life. We wanted the interior and exterior to feel seamless, both carrying that modern French château backyard style.
Playing With Custom Pool and Spa Proportions
This yard doesn’t have endless space, but proportion made the difference. The custom pool design is modest in size, while the spa is oversized at nine by twelve—the largest scale possible. There are no standard proportions here. Everything was customized for the yard and for the client’s lifestyle, creating a luxury backyard retreat.
Juxtaposition: Tradition Meets Modern
Another design principle at work is juxtaposition. The traditional French-inspired fireplace contrasts with the modern mosaic spa design. If we had only one of these elements, it would lean too traditional or too modern. Together, they create the perfect balance: modern French château outdoor living.
Making Use of Every Space
Narrow side yards and smaller corners can easily go unused. We think of them as “scraps of the yard” and look for ways to make them work. By offsetting features instead of running them parallel, we turned what could have been wasted space into a functional, enjoyable area — an example of custom outdoor living design that maximizes every square foot.
A Unique Water Feature
This design also introduced something new. A French-inspired light fixture on a copper sconce contrasts with the blue of the water, creating a feature we hadn’t seen before. It ties back to the fireplace and helps unify the entire space. Faux green panels add the look of hedges without the maintenance issues of live plants near water — a smart choice for Southern California backyard landscaping.
Sports, Style, and Cohesion
Even with a pool and spa, the yard still accommodates a custom backyard basketball court. The surface was selected in a tone similar to the pool, so the two feel visually connected instead of competing.
The Hidden Outdoor Kitchen
The wider side yard became the ideal home for a luxury outdoor kitchen. It includes a pizza oven, fridge, sink, and grill. Guests can serve themselves buffet-style and bring food back to the main yard without the smoke or smell interrupting the social areas.
Gathering Spaces for Outdoor Living
The main social zones are anchored by a large neutral-toned sofa and dining area. The furniture looks beautiful, but just as importantly, it’s comfortable. Guests can sit closer to the fire for warmth or farther away to cool off, while still feeling part of the same space.
Repetition also plays a role. The dining area includes a fireplace scaled to match the first, creating unity and echoing the principles of French design. Dining in front of the fire and French doors creates an outdoor living space that feels timeless and luxurious.
Transforming Your Yard
Your yard is an extension of your home and your lifestyle. This project shows how proportion, layering, and balance can turn a blank slate into something unforgettable.
If you’re ready to create a modern French château–inspired luxury backyard design of your own, our team is here to help you bring that vision to life. Click the button below to book a free design consultation call with our team to get started.
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Tour This Yard
This yard makes you feel like you’re in the South of France instead of Southern California. We’re showing you how we combined unexpected elements from two completely different design styles—French and Modern—into a luxury backyard resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did you approach the front yard design?
A: The façade of the home was already beautifully French-inspired. Instead of competing with the architecture, we designed the landscape to complement it. Layers of boxwoods, round planters, and florals draw the eye toward the four French doors, framing the home rather than distracting from it.
Q: What role does proportion play in this backyard?
A: This yard doesn’t have endless space, but proportion made the difference. The pool is modest, while the spa is oversized at nine by twelve—the largest scale possible. Nothing here is standard. Every detail was customized around the yard and the way the client lives.
Q: How do traditional and modern elements work together in this design?
A: Juxtaposition is at the heart of this project. A traditional French-inspired fireplace contrasts with the modern mosaic spa. On their own, they’d feel too singular—either too traditional or too modern. Together, they strike the perfect balance of modern French château.
Q: How did you make use of smaller or narrow spaces?
A: We think of side yards and corners as the “scraps” of the yard—and look for ways to make them functional. By offsetting features instead of running them parallel, even narrow areas became destinations, turning every part of the property into usable outdoor living space.
Q: What features made this project truly unique?
A: Several details stand out: a French-inspired light fixture on a copper sconce that reflects against the water, faux green panels that mimic hedges without the upkeep, and a basketball court finished in tones that connect visually to the pool. Together, these elements create a yard that feels cohesive, timeless, and entirely custom.
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.
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.
