Upscale Outdoor Living Middleburg FL

Source: UPSCALE REMODELING MAGAZINE
Publication date: April 1, 2006

By Kathy Price-Robinson

In the beginning, outdoor living was the only option. Early humans then took shelter in caves and huts, and with the progress of civilization retreated to cottages, condos, tract homes, and mansions. Eventually, humans ventured outdoors again, to cook on tin barbecues and nap on aluminum loungers.

Oh, how we've evolved since then.

For upscale homeowners, outdoor life is now warmed by fireplaces, fire pits, and radiant heaters; brightened with intricate music, lighting systems, and flat-screen TVs (the ones that can be hosed down); entertained by elaborate fountains (one offers a fountain spray backlit by flickering gas flames); and softened by indestructible Oriental-type rugs, and handsome teak and wicker furniture. These al fresco living areas are likely to be called “outdoor rooms,” rather than patios.

The basic barbecue has given way, for those with means, to full outdoor kitchens, replete with 4-foot-wide grills, infrared rotisseries, high-powered burners, warming drawers, granite- and tile-topped islands, under-counter refrigerators, ice makers and wine coolers, and full sinks with filters, disposals, and instant hot water.

Following are four upscale projects that take outdoor living to the highest levels of luxury.

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