A Swim Pond Built In His Mother's Memory
Foster, RI · $125,000 · 2 Weeks
Recreational Swim Pond · Regeneration Zone · Custom Spillway Bowl
Set on a breathtaking 100-acre property that has been in the same family for three generations, this project blends history, heritage and heart.
The homeowner wanted a place to cool off on warm summer days. Not a pool. A natural ecosystem recreational pond, free of chemicals, designed to sit in the landscape as though it had always been there.
The house itself has been lovingly preserved since the 1800s and holds deep family roots. Because of that we approached the design with real sensitivity, making sure the pond would look settled into the land rather than newly built.
The plan evolved along the way. It was originally envisioned considerably larger and deeper, and it changed after honest conversations about both vision and budget. Those conversations came shortly after the passing of his 94-year-old mother, who left him a meaningful inheritance. We worked carefully to create something that honoured her memory while respecting what she left behind.
Shaping It Into A Century-Old Landscape
The hardest part of a project on land like this is not the digging. It is making something new look like it belongs on a property that has been in one family for three generations.
Every contour was cut with that in mind.
A Regeneration Zone Instead Of Chemicals
The final design became a 15' x 20' ecosystem recreational pond, four feet deep at its lowest point, with a regeneration zone (bog filtration) planted with vibrant aquatic plants.
Those plants filter the water naturally and pull in wildlife. No chlorine, no chemical dosing, no shock treatments. You swim in water the way nature makes it.
The Custom Cut Spillway Bowl
To lift the experience further, a custom cut spillway bowl was added, giving the pond another visual dimension as water cascades gently over the edge.
It adds movement, reflection and serenity, and it means there is something to listen to even when nobody is swimming.
Two Weeks From Breaking Ground
Now, when the homeowner steps onto his back deck, he looks out at more than a pond. He sees a living tribute to his mother, a reminder of childhood memories, and a reflection of the beauty that has defined this land for over a century.
It is a project that feels as though it has always belonged here. A natural legacy flowing through generations.
Swimmable, Chemical Free
Filtered by plants and bacteria, not chlorine.
Regeneration Zone
A planted bog does the water treatment naturally.
Built As A Memorial
Funded by an inheritance from his 94-year-old mother.
An 1800s Property
Designed to look as though it had always been there.
Technical Specifications
A note from Shawn
"Every project teaches us something new. This one reminded me why I got into this business, the moment a homeowner sees their finished feature for the first time is worth every hour of work."
If This Sounds Like You…
A natural swim pond is the right conversation if you are thinking:
- •"I want somewhere to swim that is not a chlorine box."
- •"We have the land, we just do not want it to look landscaped."
- •"I want to build something on this property that outlasts me."
A swim pond is filtered by plants and bacteria rather than chemicals, which means it gets better as it establishes rather than needing to be fought every season.
See it come together.
From bare ground to living water feature.
Watch the Transformation
Project Gallery
