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A travertine pool is a timeless beauty. When you can look back at a project like this, Nissequogue Pool and Travertine Patio, and not see it age, you know it can stand the test of time. There’s something incredibly satisfying about revisiting a project many years after its completion and finding that it still stands strong in structure and style. That’s precisely the case with this stunning backyard in Nissequogue, a project Gappsi designed and built 15 years ago. Time has passed, seasons have come and gone. This backyard oasis remains as beautiful and functional as the day it was completed.
This comprehensive backyard project combined all the essential elements of luxury outdoor living. Every detail was thoughtfully designed and expertly built to provide years of enjoyment, from the pool, patio, water features, and outdoor kitchen. And it has done just that—fifteen years later, the homeowners are still enjoying every inch of their backyard paradise.
The Heart of the Backyard: A 25×50 Vinyl Travertine Pool
At the center of this serene retreat is a sizeable 25×50-foot vinyl swimming pool. The pool was constructed with sturdy concrete walls, providing durability and longevity. An automatic pool cover was installed to enhance safety and convenience, offering protection from debris and an added layer of security and energy efficiency.
One of the standout features of this pool is its classic and elegant look, achieved through the use of 2-inch thick travertine pool coping. This detail gives the pool a timeless, high-end aesthetic that perfectly complements the natural surroundings. Travertine is beautiful and practical—it’s cool underfoot even on hot days, making it ideal for poolside use.
A Travertine Patio in a French Pattern
Surrounding the pool is an expansive patio paved with golden travertine and a French-patterned layout. This design choice adds visual interest and a touch of Old World charm to the space. The warm tones of the travertine blend beautifully with the natural environment, while its textured surface provides a slip-resistant surface perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the view.
Using a consistent material throughout the coping and the patio creates a seamless flow that elegantly ties the space together. This kind of design unity is one of the reasons this backyard has aged so gracefully.
Retaining Walls, Columns, and Custom Stonework
We constructed retaining walls and columns throughout the landscape to manage the backyard’s natural grade and add architectural interest. These structures were veneered with split-face travertine, a finish that adds depth, character, and rustic elegance to the space. Using natural stone brings a grounded, earthy element to the design that enhances the outdoor living experience.
One of the visual highlights is the intricate column work, which serves a structural purpose and adds a classical design element that elevates the entire yard’s aesthetic.
A Natural Stone Water Feature
No backyard retreat is complete without the soothing sounds of flowing water. For this project, we built a custom natural stone and rock water feature that appears to flow straight out of the hillside. This cascading water feature adds a dynamic, tranquil focal point to the backyard, further blurring the lines between the built environment and natural beauty.
What’s more impressive? After 15 years, the water feature is still fully operational and just as captivating as the day it was installed. That kind of long-term performance speaks volumes about the craftsmanship and quality of the build.
Outdoor Living at Its Finest: Fireplace, Kitchen, and Raised Patio
Beyond the travertine pool and patio, the outdoor space was designed for year-round enjoyment. A wood-burning fireplace was constructed as a cozy gathering spot for cooler evenings, perfect for family nights or entertaining guests. There’s nothing quite like the ambiance of a real fire under the stars.
Next to the fireplace is a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with a dedicated sitting area. This makes it the ideal space for summer barbecues, weekend brunches, or casual weeknight dinners. The functional cooking space and comfortable seating transform the backyard into a valid home extension.
We also built a raised patio adjacent to the house, creating a transitional space that ties the home and the backyard together. It’s the perfect place to relax with a coffee or enjoy the sunset over the pool.
The Spa Experience: Catalina Spa
No luxury backyard is complete without a spa, and we installed a Catalina Spa for this project. Known for their performance and durability, Catalina Spas are built to last—and this one certainly has. Even after 15 years of use, it’s still in excellent condition, delivering the same relaxing hydrotherapy experience it did on day one.
A Backyard That Stands the Test of Time
Perhaps the most rewarding part of revisiting this Nissequogue backyard is seeing how well it has held up over the years. The structures are solid, the materials have aged beautifully, and every feature works exactly as intended. It’s a testament to quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and the use of premium materials.
At Gappsi, we believe that a well-designed outdoor space should look amazing when it’s first completed and continue to serve and delight its owners for years—if not decades—to come. This project is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.
This Nissequogue backyard is more than just a space—it’s a lifestyle. It’s where memories are made, holidays are celebrated, and quiet moments are cherished. Fifteen years later, the pool still sparkles, the patio still shines, and the water feature still flows. That’s the kind of lasting quality that Gappsi is proud to deliver.
If you’re dreaming of your backyard transformation, let us help you design a space that will bring joy not just today, but for years into the future. Whether it’s a pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, or full landscape design, we’re here to build something timeless—just like we did in Nissequogue.