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The
Pool is the New Kitchen
For years homeowners and real estate professionals have
understood that money invested in the kitchen generally
produces above average return when it comes time to sell.
For Outer Banks vacation homes, the same philosophy is true
with money spent on the outdoor pool area, the vacationers’
new favorite amenity.
For many vacationers, a small fiberglass pool plopped
in the back yard simply isn't enough anymore, especially
on larger oceanfront homes. Pool area ambiance, water features
and functionality are increasingly becoming a part of guests'
decision making process as they choose a home for their
summer vacation.
In the summer season, when guests are paying top dollar,
they are likely to spend most of their time with their family
in the pool area. Increased poolside amenities equate to
increased time spent outside. With the right ambiance, equipment
and lighting, dinner cooked on the grill by the pool and
drinks under the poolside cabana are memorable and become
an essential part of any family vacation.
A well designed pool and poolside living area has obvious
benefits for the guest. In addition to personal enjoyment,
owners enjoy higher rental rates, more rental bookings,
and less wear and tear on the home. Your guests are going
to celebrate while they are on vacation. From an owners’
perspective it make sense to encourage less foot traffic
inside the home by increasing time spent outdoors.
A lanai is a cover or roofed porch or veranda that functions
as an outdoor living area. In other parts of the country
like Florida and Hawaii this concept is regularly incorporated
into homes. The area around the pool adds another “room”
to the home. Thoughtful choices in furniture, decking, covered
areas, water features and poolside amenities are used to
add to the usable space of a home. On the Outer Banks, guests’
choices and preferences are driving changes in the pool
areas.
Elaine Brieholz with Carolina Designs Realty in Duck
states that “Guests regularly request baby pools or pools
with a section that is shallow for the kids. Often the ocean
is too rough for the small children to swim. The pool area
can allow the children to play and give the parents more
freedom to enjoy themselves.” Brieholz continues “Mothers
and grandmothers are asking us for homes with baby pools.
Couples with groups of friends want swim up bars and wet
decks so that they can relax in beach chairs in the water…The
ambiance of the pool is important. Guests even call to inquire
whether homes provide shaded eating areas by the pool.”
Courtney Wisecarver, a rental reservationist with Twiddy
and Company Realtors, notes that “Guests prefer bigger pools
so that everyone staying in the house can play in the pool
together. Pool heaters are important, especially for guests
in the spring…The cabana bathroom is definitely a popular
feature too.” When asked about her favorite pools, Wisecarver
describes a home in Corolla: “The home has a “vanishing
edge” and is on the second level so there are ocean views
from the pool area.” This type of pool uses a water fall
feature on one side so the edge of the pool appears to blur
into the water on the horizon.”
Bud Dean is the developer of the Croatan Surf Club and
owner of multiple Outer Banks rental properties. When asked
about pool features that make a difference in rental income,
Dean responds “Our guests loved the children’s pools in
our rental homes. When we designed the Croatan Surf Club,
we went a step further and added a children’s area with
fountains, misters and a ‘zero edge’ entry where the water
depth increases gradually. The idea is to have a separate
shaded, vegetated and gated area where adults can relax
while watching their children play in shallow water.” Dean
adds “Vegetation adds to the pool experience. Greenery provides
privacy and adds to the aesthetics of the pool area.”
Dean summarizes, “The pool drives the rentals. In the
high season, a well designed pool definitely commands a
higher rental rate. In shoulder seasons, especially May
and September, it becomes a matter of getting the week rented
or having it vacant--the pool can have a significant impact
on getting these weeks booked.”
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