Rural setting is the perfect backdrop for dramatic poolscape (and lucky family of five)

The Lucks’ landscape puts the emphasis on native plants, according to Eric Koch of Precision Landscaping Co.

Luck Stone has long been a company that Virginians turn to for landscaping and construction products. From topsoil to flagstone, ponds to boulders, the folks at Luck Stone have built a reputation on being able to supply the tools to make landscaping dreams come true.

So the question arises: what would the owner of such a resource do to his own home with potentially limitless access to materials and ideas?

He would build a Shangri-la and place it on a 200-acre hidden hilltop in Maidens, Va. When Charlie and Lisa Luck built their log home eight years ago, they dammed a creek to create a seven-acre pond, which now serves as a focal point of the property and draws wildlife like deer, fox, and hawks. The family of five can enjoy the scenery from their stone deck, which is built around a pristinely kept pool and bordered on three sides by their expansive home and a guesthouse.

Working closely with the Luck family, Richmond landscape designer Bill Spell designed the pool area as a centerpiece for the home. After carefully selecting the right type of stones, layout, and plants for the area, the installation was completed by Precision Landscaping Co. — a firm that has the Children’s Museum of Richmond, Richmond City Hall, and Portsmouth’s Nelson Park in its portfolio.

“We wanted access to the pool from all parts of the house,” says Eric Koch, operations manager with Precision. Yet, while developing the pool area, the Lucks were also constructing a poolside guesthouse. “The project required a lot of coordination between all of the subcontractors.” Those subcontractors included a team of builders, irrigation contractors, pool installers, and electrical engineers, who all had to communicate efficiently in order to time their projects correctly.

Yet, despite the challenges of working with such a large team, the project came together without a hitch, resulting in a piazza designed to bring the whole family together. “Our kids swim in the pool every day and love to bring friends back here,” says Lisa Luck, who admits to being not shy about taking her time to find the right furniture, artwork, and adornments for her home. “I don’t want to rush. When I find the right things, I know it. I’m not going to just go out and get anything for my home.”

So what materials did the Lucks choose for their landscaping? Plenty. The deck is constructed of a combination of bluestone and precut Silver Lake stone imported from China and decorated with a generous amount of solid teak Country Classic chairs, chaise longues, and tables.

The “steps” leading up to the diving board are made of a naturally tiered boulder. “We wanted to use a boulder for the steps to the diving board, but it had to be the right height,” explains Lisa Luck. “We looked all over in the yard and tested several boulders until we found the right one.”

The pool steps are made from tiles that look like authentic pebbles and lead into a plaster-gunnite pool bottom, which resembles a rock slab.

Is it the home the Lucks have always dreamed of? “We love it here,” confirms Luck with a smile and peaceful gaze out to the pond as she arranges a pillow in the guesthouse for imminent company.