Pool & Garden Renovation in Bidart

The before: initial condition

I don’t often xxx oversee garden projects so I thought it would nice to showcase this one. The location of this villa in Bidart is quite unique in that it is within walking distance of beaches and restaurants yet has a totally rural outlook over fields and woodland.

However the pool area was not geared to the charm and tranquility of this open area and instead seemed to focus on the rear of the neighbouring house! The composite decking was ageing badly and there was no natural shade. The pool cover was above ground and took up a lot of space as well as being an eyesore.

Planning and design The plans done by a good friend of mine who has done numerous projects in the Carribean, were going to change all that… we wanted a cosier feel with areas on different levels to soak up the Basque sunshine, interspersed with vegetation and palms which could withstand local weather conditions. We also wanted natural shade of some form and to incorporate the pool cover below ground (a necessary safety measure in France if you don’t have an alarm system). The focus was on making the pool area flow into the stunning backdrop naturally. We used an architect to draw up the plans, create a poolhouse and submit all to the planning authorities. We also had to demand access through private land to approach the site. All this bureaucracy takes time but as you have to book in contractors here at least 4 months in advance, this gave me the time to do the paperwork!

Main Works Exterior work is so dependent on weather and this project took place over 4 months from January to the end of April. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, experiencing possibly the driest winter on record! We were able to stay within our timescale which is rare.

As the aim was to completely replace the composite decking with natural stone and create different levels the main works consisted of demolishing the entire area and starting from zero. The pool however was extended and renovated but not demolished so it was a “careful” demolition ensuring the main carcass of the pool remained intact. We added 200cm to the length of the pool so the pool cover stored beneath doubled up as a shallow, paddling area for children above.

 Significant foundations were built for the terraces and poolhouse. Electric cables were set in for lighting around shrubs and palms as well as the electrics for the pool. Though the pool itself was renovated, the pool filter system and heating were completely replaced and located in the new poolhouse.

Once the foundations were in and everything levelled, the gardeners came in to define the planting areas. Every plant had its location and there was a huge plant order done by the gardeners!

 Timing was crucial for the planting and especially sowing the grass areas because we couldn’t sow too close to the hotter months. The seeds would burn and it would be a complete waste of money.

 The poolhouse was built and the stone laid on the terraces as well as low walling. With this done, the gardeners could come in and fill the planting areas with topsoil and start the planting design. It is great fun and very rewarding to see the plans coming together.

Throughout this period, the owners were not on site but I sent back weekly reports and photos of progress so they felt they were also experiencing the changes.

The designer had also created new borders around the house to link up the pool and these were all gradually installed as work on renovating the interior of the pool began.

Before the final coating (gel coat) inside the pool, the natural stone paving was laid so there was no risk of damaging the pool. This is when things really started to come together but we still had all the lawn area to seed too before the hot months descended upon us!

 Finally towards the end of April, once the topsoil was in, we could get the pool filled up and ready for the owners to have their first holiday in their newly-designed garden!