Do you have a sizable residence set well back from the nearest road? Adding a courtyard may be the perfect way to turn a home into an estate. This type of structure can be built at the front of your house, or as a connection between two buildings (such as the house and a gazebo). Another option is the interior courtyard that acts as a central gathering place surrounded by multiple buildings.
For most modern residential properties, an entry courtyard is a good selection. It fits particularly well with Spanish style architecture. Adobe walls and terra cotta tile roofs prompt memories of sunny afternoons spent relaxing in shaded alcoves around a well or fountain. However, a courtyard can be successfully built to compliment any large, two-story home.
Courtyard Space and Walls
A full sized courtyard should have a “footprint” at least 1/4 the size of your home’s foundation. This provides enough room for large plants, furniture, and other items that turn this area into a lovely open air entertainment venue. If you have a small property, look into
miniature courtyard designs so your space won’t be cluttered or cramped.
The ground can be paved in stone as is typical in
Mediterranean style courtyards. However, this may create drainage problems during the torrential rains we experience in North Texas. In addition, a large paved area may buckle as the underlying clay soil expands and contracts.
Pavers separated by gravel are an option that may help you avoid both these problems. A hardy grass like Bermuda is another good choice for the “floor” in your courtyard.
The walls can be low and simply mark the boundary of an outdoor living space; but for privacy a wall at least 6’ high is preferable. In any event, the upper level of your house will be visible above the top of this enclosure. Masonry, natural stone, and stucco are typical materials for these partitions. The wall may be continuous with only a single point of entry. Or, it can be punctuated with several open arches or gateways.
Courtyard Themes
This outdoor living feature should have a well defined theme. Garden courtyards in
New Orleans are a wonderful source of inspiration for lush, vegetation rich spaces accented with statuary. Shade trees (like native Texas live oak and pecan) can be planted along the perimeter of your courtyard to provide shade. Add a hardy ground cover to prevent soil erosion under these trees. Consider growing sun-loving flowers in a tiered flowerbed in the center of your courtyard to serve as a focal point.
Kinetic
water features like fountains and waterfalls make great courtyard themes. Koi ponds are another beautiful option. Anytime you set up a feature with standing water, make sure you have a
plan for keeping mosquitoes from breeding. Add guppies, goldfish, minnows, or tadpoles to your pond to eat mosquito larvae.
Consider turning your courtyard into an alfresco dining area if you have less of a green thumb. Use outdoor furniture to decorate this space and add some potted plants and trellised vines as accents. Install an awning or use table umbrellas for shade. Add a wet bar or a small outdoor kitchen to make this space into your own front yard café. For more great ideas on creating your own courtyard, contact us for a
free consultation.