Upper Arlington, Ohio
Berkshire Road
A Berkshire Road Masterpiece: Where Historic Charm Meets Pool House Perfection
Berkshire Road in Upper Arlington curves between stately old-trees and elegant homes, running a graceful line between the high school, Lane Avenue Mall, and the library. It’s a street of dreams—one where passersby pause, casting yearning glances at homes rooted in time and place. It was here, on this storied lane, that Landfare Ltd. collaborated with a discerning homeowner to craft a backyard sanctuary worthy of that legacy.
The result: a custom in-ground pool and spa so integrated with its surroundings it feels like it’s always belonged. This is the kind of work that distinguishes Landfare as one of the premier in-ground pool and hot tub installation companies in Upper Arlington, Dublin, Powell, and the Columbus region.
Scroll down to view photos of this project and watch the behind-the-scenes video.
"It’s all about flexibility. Whether it’s a plunge, a spa, or a pool, we design so the family can use it in every season" — John Spayde, Principal & Designer, Landfare Ltd.
Crafting Continuity: Stone, Grade, and Flow
John Spayde, Principal & Designer, describes the transformation:
“This property had a small bluestone terrace that we’d installed years ago. When it came time to add the pool, we salvaged every piece and blended it with new bluestone. It was about continuity—making something new that still felt like it belonged.”
To soften transitions, Landfare adjusted the grade so that fewer steps separate indoor and outdoor living. That eliminates confusion during entertaining—no one needs to stumble through unknown elevation changes.
“We always try to eliminate unnecessary steps,” Spayde says. “When you’re entertaining, it’s about flow—people moving between spaces safely and comfortably.”
Structure That Speaks Architecture
Above the terraces, a custom pergola frames open quadrants to the sky. Its geometry is not just decorative—it filters light, casts shadow, and becomes part of the architecture’s vocabulary. The lighting track inside the lattice is truly a beautiful addition that creates more atmosphere as the sun begins to set.
The lattice is framed with crown molding and provides two layers of depth.
“That full-depth lattice detail is important. It softens the light and adds texture,” Spayde explains.
The symmetry between pergola, stone, and pool edge lets the space read as one cohesive whole.
Bluestone, Diamond Tile, and Subtle Drama
The stonework is foundational to the design. Every slab, whether new or salvaged, was hand-selected for color, cut, and scale to complement the historic home. The terraces and coping echo architectural lines. Inside the pool, a diamond-tile pattern marks steps—a small but intentional feature that illuminates at night and enhances safety.
“One of our craftsmen suggested diamond-turned tile to mark the steps,” says Spayde. “At night, when the pool is lit, you can see your footing. That’s beauty plus function.”
Engineered Elegance, Hidden and Strong
Landfare’s pools are celebrated for what you don’t see—concealed skimmers, hidden drains, vaults for mechanicals, and precision structural design. All that engineering ensures the aesthetic remains uninterrupted.
“When you’re in the pool, you shouldn’t see anything mechanical—only beautiful plaster, tile, and water,” Spayde notes.
Automatic covers, safety gates, reinforced retaining walls—they’re all part of the investment in longevity and daily usability.
Spa Within the Pool
This Berkshire Road pool also becomes a heated spa/spool when temperatures dip. The homeowner plans to keep it open year-round. That kind of dual functionality is one reason clients invest in Landfare’s custom pool designs.
“It’s all about flexibility. Whether it’s a plunge, a spa, or a pool, we design so the family can use it in every season,” says Spayde.
At 48 inches depth, it’s carefully calibrated to satisfy both children and adults—deep enough for comfort, but comfortable for lounging, too.
Landscape, Privacy & Planting That Grows Into It
Existing hornbeams and arborvitae provide established privacy. Landfare layered in new specimen trees and planters that frame views without competing with stone.
“We let architecture and landscape evolve together—never forced, always in harmony,” Spayde says.
Future additions include blooming hydrangeas and wide, low stone seating walls that echo house stone.
Why Landfare’s Approach Stands Apart
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We build for longevity, not trend. Fiberglass shells dimple and fade in Ohio’s climate. At Landfare, many projects use poured-in-place concrete and stone as core materials. (Learn more on our Longevity Matters page.)
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Every pool we build is a bespoke centerpiece—water, stone, and light converge. (See our philosophy on Design Features & Installation.)
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Our work in Upper Arlington, Dublin, and Powell is intentionally localized—each project reflects regional architecture and climate. (Read about our regional projects)
Explore More & See It for Yourself
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View our portfolio and design gallery at landfareltdpool.com
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Read more about graceful aging and construction on Longevity Matters
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Dive deep into how we sculpt pools as art with our Custom Design & Installation explanations
This Berkshire Road project stands as proof: when architecture, landscape, and design unite, a home becomes timeless—and a pool becomes legacy.
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