DW Project Review: Tropical Pool with Grotto in Windham, NH

When this Windham, NH homeowner came to us, they did not ask for a typical backyard upgrade. They wanted to feel like they were stepping into a resort. Somewhere tropical, immersive, and relaxing, but still practical enough to live in every day. The kind of space you would book a vacation for, not just mow around.

Our job was to take a big vision and turn it into something buildable, understandable, and realistic from day one.

The first step was design. For a project of this scale, especially in New Hampshire where properties often have natural elevation and strong sight lines, design is not optional. It's what keeps expectations aligned and timelines intact. We worked closely with the client to understand how they wanted the space to feel, not just what features they wanted. That guided every decision that followed.

The centerpiece of the backyard is a custom grotto with a waterfall. This element set the tone for the entire project. It creates sound, movement, and a sense of enclosure that immediately separates the space from the rest of the property. The waterfall does more than look good. It masks noise, adds motion, and reinforces that resort like atmosphere the client was dreaming of.

Surrounding the grotto, we built retaining walls that allowed us to shape the space intentionally. Instead of fighting the grade, we used it to our advantage. These walls also gave us the opportunity to layer in lush, tropical style plantings. The goal was density and texture, not formality. We wanted the plantings to feel full, intentional, and a little wild, the way a true resort landscape does.

The patio layout was designed to support how the space would actually be used. A large seating area anchors the space, with a fireplace that makes the backyard usable well beyond summer. An outdoor kitchen and dining area create a natural gathering zone, while a separate fire pit with a retaining wall offers a quieter place to relax. Each area flows into the next without feeling crowded or disconnected.

What made this transformation successful was not just the final result, but the process. By using detailed design plans from the start, the client could clearly see how the space would come together. That clarity helped decisions happen faster, reduced surprises, and kept the build moving efficiently. When everyone understands the plan, the project stays on track.

The transformation of this Windham, NH backyard was dramatic, but it never felt chaotic. Every element had a purpose. Every feature supported the overall vision. The result is a backyard that feels immersive, refined, and unforgettable, a private tropical escape designed specifically for the way this client lives.

Projects like this are why we put so much emphasis on planning and design. When done right, even the boldest ideas can come together smoothly, and the finished space feels exactly the way it was imagined from the very beginning.