Backyards have come a long way from simple lawns and swing sets. But even with the rise in outdoor living trends, you long for something more elevated. You want a space where you can unwind after a long day, entertain friends with ease, and make the most of every outdoor moment. But how do you take your backyard from basic to luxurious?
Creating a luxury backyard retreat goes beyond just adding a patio and some outdoor furniture. It’s about seamlessly extending your home beyond its walls, creating a space where relaxation and entertainment come together.
The Monaco at Shadow Creek, a breathtaking new model home by Granite Ridge Builders, showcases the ultimate in luxury backyard living. With 4,000 square feet of outdoor space, rolling terrain overlooking a creek, and stunning design features, The Monaco serves as a masterclass in outdoor luxury.
Whether you’re designing a brand-new home or revamping your existing backyard, these luxury backyard ideas will inspire you to create a space that feels truly elevated.
Behind the model home build
The design team at Granite Ridge Builders set out to create more than just a model home. They wanted to showcase what’s possible in high-end living. The Monaco at Shadow Creek is one of their most ambitious projects: a 10,000-square-foot home designed to highlight the best in modern design and outdoor luxury. With two years of planning and 100,000 man-hours poured into the build, every detail was chosen to wow.
Set on a one-acre lot, The Monaco takes advantage of the natural rolling terrain while offering an unparalleled level of comfort and style. Inside, the home features five kitchens, a wine room, a whiskey room, and a martini lounge. Practicality meets indulgence with four laundry rooms, a dedicated dog-washing station, and an elevator. And when it’s time to unwind, a state-of-the-art golf simulator and multiple entertainment spaces.
But luxury doesn’t stop at the back door. The Monaco’s outdoor space is just as impressive, featuring two levels of outdoor living, a built-in kegerator, a gas-fired pizza oven, a swim spa, and a pickleball court. Retractable screens transform the space at the push of a button, while multiple fireplaces and carefully placed lighting create an inviting atmosphere from day to night.
High-end features for the ultimate backyard
Your home should be more than just a place to sleep; it should be a sanctuary. The Granite Ridge team has married purposeful design with luxury backyard trends to create a space where relaxation, recreation, and entertainment come together effortlessly. Luxury backyard features like a chef-worthy outdoor kitchen, a private swim spa, or a fire-lit lounge area can transform your space into a resort-style escape.
Remote screens for seamless indoor-outdoor living
An intentional approach in the design, The Monaco shows how you can gracefully blend indoor and outdoor living. The covered veranda extends from the great room, creating a seamless transition between spaces.
But enjoying an open-air design often comes with trade-offs — either leaving the space exposed to pests and the elements or installing permanent screens that obstruct the view and alter the aesthetic.
The solution? Motorized retractable screens. With the touch of a button, homeowners can lower the screens for a comfortable, bug-free environment or raise them to take in the full beauty of their surroundings. It’s the best of both worlds: uninterrupted views when you want them, protection when you need it.
The ultimate outdoor kitchen and dining space
An outdoor kitchen is more than just placing a grill on the patio; it’s about creating a fully equipped space that makes outdoor dining and entertaining effortless. Whether it’s a high-end grill, a Blackstone, or a smoker, a well-designed outdoor kitchen brings convenience and style to backyard living.
The Monaco takes outdoor cooking to the next level with two distinct spaces. On the covered veranda, a luxury outdoor kitchen includes everything needed for seamless entertaining: a sink, grill, refrigerator, storage drawers, and a flat-top griddle. On the lower level, a kegerator and a gas pizza oven add to the experience, making it easy to enjoy a casual night by the swim spa or unwind after a friendly game of pickleball.
Private pickleball court
Pickleball is one of America’s fastest-growing sports; participation has increased 311% over the past three years, according to the Sports and Fitness Association. For the nearly 20 million picklers, an at-home pickleball court is the ultimate luxury backyard design feature.
The Monaco takes advantage of its sprawling outdoor space with its private court. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking for a fun way to stay active, adding a pickleball court to your backyard can turn it into a go-to destination for friends and family.
Resort-style recreation
There’s a reason you feel more relaxed on vacation. Whether it’s an oceanside infinity pool or a mountainside hot tub, resorts are designed to help you unwind. Even if lounging on the beach isn’t your thing, there’s something about being near the water — paddle boarding, kayaking, or just floating — that elevates the experience.
But that feeling doesn’t have to end when you get home. That’s exactly what the designers of The Monaco, a luxury model home in Indiana, set out to prove. With a vaulted dual-zone swim spa, they’ve brought the resort experience home, creating a space where you can swim, soak, and relax — no matter the season.
This luxury backyard delivers the elevated, seamless look of an in-ground pool while offering far more flexibility. In Indiana, where a traditional pool might sit unused for months, the swim spa ensures that every season is pool season. Swim against an adjustable current, enjoy a low-impact workout, or simply stretch out and float. When it’s time to relax, the separate hot tub section offers the ultimate place to warm up, ease sore muscles, or enjoy a quiet moment at the end of the day.
Designed to be both beautiful and functional, the H2X dual-zone swim spa transforms this luxury backyard into a personal retreat.
Multiple levels of entertainment and relaxation
Outdoor living at The Monaco is designed for both grand entertaining and quiet relaxation. The covered veranda offers a welcoming space with comfortable seating and a fireplace, making it an ideal spot to unwind or gather with friends.
The walkout lower level extends the entertainment options with its own cozy setting, complete with a second fireplace, which can be gas or wood-burning. A stamped patio adds a polished, elegant touch, tying together the different outdoor spaces.
Throughout the outdoor area, multiple seating arrangements cater to both intimate gatherings and large-scale entertaining, making it a true luxury backyard retreat. Cozy couches create an inviting, lounge-like atmosphere, perfect for unwinding by the fire. Bar-top tables encourage conversation over drinks, while larger dining sets provide a stylish setting for al fresco meals.
Game on
The oversized chess set at The Monaco is a perfect example of how luxury backyard designs can elevate both entertainment and leisure. It’s the kind of amenity you might find at high-end vacation rentals, where spending time with family and friends is all about enjoying moments together. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a peaceful afternoon, this unique addition adds a playful yet sophisticated touch to the outdoor space.
Thoughtful details that define luxury backyard living
Luxury outdoor design goes beyond standout features. It’s also about the little things that create a unique atmosphere and elevate your space. At The Monaco, these small touches are key to transforming an outdoor area into a true retreat.
String lights that cast a warm, inviting glow, perfect for evenings under the stars
A fire pit that fosters cozy gatherings with family and friends, adding both warmth and ambiance
A privacy wall that creates an intimate, secluded feel, turning your backyard into a personal sanctuary
A landscape that flows seamlessly into the natural surroundings, evoking the serene charm of a French countryside retreat
Design your own backyard retreat
The Monaco at Shadow Creek proves that outdoor living can be just as stylish and comfortable as the indoors. Whether you want a chef-worthy outdoor kitchen, a swim spa for relaxation and fitness, or an entertainment space with multiple levels, these high-end features can transform your backyard into a true luxury retreat.
A swim spa, like the H2X Challenger, offers the perfect combination of fitness and relaxation, making it a standout addition to any luxury outdoor space. Ready to elevate your backyard? Contact your local Master Spas dealer to get started.