Clients: Terry and Garnet Essex
Original project: Pool with waterfall, grotto and spa, sunken outdoor kitchen, outdoor lighting, wood-burning firepit, sod and landscaping
Additional renovation: Custom therapeutic spa, replaced wood-burning firepit with gas firepit, remodeled stairs to bridge
Why: Terry and Garnet wanted to create a place they could enjoy with their friends and family year-round
Services used: Design, pool and landscape construction
When Terry was in Acapulco dreaming of his ideal retirement location, he loved the thought of living right there with the magnificent ocean views and a golf course steps away. But for an asking price of a cool $1 million for an acre lot, Terry knew the dream would have to be realized elsewhere. Fortunately for Extreme Exteriors, Terry and his wife Garnet settled on Abilene to build their home. And though he’s missing his ocean view, he has created a backyard paradise that he loves to use each and every day – and he did get his house on the golf course!
Terry and Garnet lived and worked in Montana for a number of years and although he loved cooking outside, the cold climate naturally limited the amount of time they could truly enjoy their backyard. He knew that by moving to Texas, he would not only be able to cook outside a lot more, but he would also be able to live his ideal lifestyle more easily.
The original build approximately seven years ago included the pool with the bridge, the grotto with a spa, a sunken outdoor kitchen, and complete landscaping. It also included a wood-burning firepit. After enjoying this for several years, Terry and Garnet decided there were a few design changes they would like to make it ideal. First of all, the wood burning firepit was removed and replaced with a gas firepit, making it easier on Garnet who is allergic to smoke. Additionally, the rock steps were remodeled, making them more level than the original build thus making it easier to negotiate the steps without stumbling. The spa under the grotto was removed and completely redone. The new spa features four Bullfrog therapeutic chairs, two of which are completely customized for Terry and Garnet and the other two were placed for guests.
In working with the team on the spa remodel, Terry praised the Extreme Exteriors team saying, “This was creative stuff that’s not easy to do. We appreciated the crew being here on the build, making sure everything was done right and completed the way we wanted it to be.” Terry considers his backyard the perfect place to be outside, and he said there isn’t a week that goes by that they’re not cooking outside. Terry consistently cooks on the Big Green Egg, and he’s gotten pretty good at ribs and brisket. He mentioned what a great cook Garnet is and how she loves to entertain. “The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Garnet hosts a party as a gift to her friends as a celebration of the Christmas season. She includes a wine tasting, along with a variety of cheeses and hors d’ouevres.” Garnet and Terry also recently hosted a baby shower and dozens of guests were easily accommodated. They love having a place where they can host special events and where they have no problem getting the grandkids to visit!
Terry is impressed with how company president Randy Glenn has grown the business and put a good team together. He summed up his thoughts saying, “If you’re considering doing something creative outside, that’s not cookie cutter, and you don’t talk to Extreme Exteriors, you’re going to make a mistake.” Terry has generously trusted us to create some very original work. Without clients such as Terry and Garnet, we wouldn’t grow as a company. And so we graciously say “thank you” to the Essex family for allowing us to be a part of their story.
