- calendar_month August 3, 2023
From a pickleball court with space to cool off, to a soothing waterfall steps away from the pool, these homeowners clearly didn’t hold back on their backyards. We scoured Zillow listings to find fun and unexpected ideas for a backyard makeover to make you the envy of your friends and neighbors. An added bonus: some of these unique backyard features even have the potential to boost your home value — but once you have them, why would you move?
1. Zen meditation garden
Who needs a spa when you have your own backyard? Creating a quiet and private spot for meditation can give you the gift of space and time just steps from your back door. To make this idea come to life, find a small corner of your yard that feels like it would be particularly peaceful, whether it’s surrounded by trees or a little distant from the house. Dress it up with calming essentials, like wind chimes, a raked sand garden, or even a Koi fish pond. This house in Los Angeles incorporates stepping stones and lounge chairs into a meditation space, creating specific areas to stroll and reflect, as well as kick back and relax.
2. Cascade pool waterfall
Why stop at putting a pool in your backyard when you can have a swimming pool waterfall? This house in Raleigh, North Carolina, went all in on the resort vibes, with a decked-out three-level pool connected by a double waterfall. To do this at home, look for budget-friendly DIY waterfall tutorials online, or choose from countless styles of waterfall kits to amp up your aquatic space.
3. Putting green
You don’t have to be a professional golfer to enjoy the novelty of a putting green in your backyard. A putting green is a great way to invite some friendly competition when you have friends and family over, and it may not be bad for the value of your house, either. In fact, Zillow found that homes with “putting green” in the listing description could increase a home’s value by 1.4%. The putting green doesn’t have to be an ambitious 18-hole putt putt course; this house in Orlando, Florida has just two holes to practice your shots.
4. Custom fire pit table
Trying to conjure up cozy summer camp vibes, but don’t want to head to the woods? Whether you’re in it for relaxation or a tasty s’mores moment, fire pit tables (not to be confused with fire pits) are a multi-seasonal hangout spot, with the added bonus of being able to set down your drink or grilling skewers. Most fire pit tables are gas-powered, meaning you can reap the benefits of more consistent and less smoky heat. The owners of this home in College Grove, Tennessee, opted for a fire pit table painted white to match their home and decked out with built-in loungers. You don’t see firepits with custom seating like this every day!
5. Pickleball court
Pickleball is all the rage right now, and the owners of this house in Saint George, Utah are leaning into the trend. They made the most of their outdoor footprint with a paved play area that does double duty as a basketball court when the pickleball net is down. One thing is for sure: You won’t need to hustle to find an open court with a time slot that works for you if you have your own.
6. Lawn game zone
Whether you’re into cornhole, horseshoes, croquet, or shuffleboard — like the owners of this house in Knoxville, Iowa — curating a vibrant space dedicated to playing lawn games can be a fun way to make the most out of your backyard. Choose a few portable lawn games, like ladder toss, lawn darts or washers, and buy or build a trunk to store them all when you’re not using them — particularly if you have a smaller space. If you prefer to dive into it head-first, pave part of your yard for a shuffleboard setup or create a special sandy area for bocce ball. Consider elevating the space and making it even more playful with the addition of a DIY scoreboard and folding chairs.
7. Brick pizza oven
If you’re really into cooking and getting creative with your meals, meet the pizza oven. Add one to your backyard, and you’ll want to be prepared for friends and family asking for your pizza recipes. Not only will your house likely become a hosting hotspot, adding a pizza oven to your backyard could contribute to increasing the value of your home by as much as 3.7%, according to Zillow research. Pizza ovens come in many forms and at many price points; The owners of this home in St. Louis, added a large brick wood-fired pizza oven to their backyard as part of a grilling and pool area that creates an ideal environment for entertaining guests.
8. In-ground trampoline
While it’s a classic kid-friendly option for outdoor entertainment, you don’t need to be a kid (or have one) to invest in a trampoline. Trampolines can be used for exercise and a moment of release when you need to take a break from the day-to-day. The owners of this house in Arbuckle, Wisconsin, have an in-ground trampoline with a path that leads straight to it, surrounded by 10 acres of land — imagine a view of an almond orchard with every bounce.
9. Designer chicken coop
While raising chickens often comes with a decent amount of work, it’s not without benefits; after all, you’ll always have fresh eggs on hand, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking to step up your cooking game. This backyard in Castroville, Texas, boasts a spacious, custom-built, farmhouse-style chicken coop equipped with lights and a fence — so the chickens have a good amount of room to roam around without getting too far.
