Embracing summer’s clear blue water provides the perfect backyard haven.

Story by Judy Goppert | Photos courtesy of Bryan Casey Construction

When Bryan and Julie Casey found their “golf course-esque” home in Parkville, they immediately ran to the back of the house to see if there would be room for their outdoor dream area. There definitely was, with The National Golf Club of Kansas City providing an incredible backdrop to their new pool. As a golfing family, they enjoy having friends and family pull up in their golf carts and take a dip!

“That was October 30th five years ago,” she enamored. “Our daughters, Makenna and Peyton, are teenagers, and we wanted the pool especially so they could bring friends over and entertain at home. We have a lot of family and friends, and this is the perfect place for everyone to be together.”

Parkville is her hometown, and Bryan owns Bryan Casey Construction, while Julie is an interior designer. This power couple made creating their oasis a true family effort. Through the years, they have done a project every year, giving the entire house a complete remodel.

“This pool is the icing on the cake,” she smiled.

They achieved this family mood, and everyone feels the welcoming ambiance as they step into the backyard. Weekends are spent out at the pool, after golf outings and such, with their big holiday celebration being the 4th of July.

The fully functional outdoor kitchen inside the welcoming cabana features a small kitchenette with a dishwasher drawer and microwave drawer on either side of the sink. These 24-inch drawers pull out, providing convenience for prep and clean up. The chevron-tiled wall with open shelving holds the makings for adult refreshments. “Let the Fun be-GIN” sign on the wall sets the party mood.

Stylish black high-top stools in the bar area are the perfect spot to grab a seat for a refreshing drink and dining al fresco. On the other side of the cabana, couches are at the ready for those who want to catch their favorite sports on the tv. A built-in fireplace provides warmth on the chilly spring and fall nights, extending the use of this living space.

“We cook a lot of dinners out there. We don’t have screens, so it is truly an outdoor experience for our family of four. We have the fireplace on and can be out there until 10:30 most nights,” she continued. “There is a little bit of everything for everybody.”

Their infinity pool is four and a half feet deep, creating a sport pool where people can swim, play volleyball, and congregate. Julie enjoys that it allows swimmers to use the whole pool, and nobody has to tread water in the deep end. People can sit on the sundeck with steps or be comfortably submerged while socializing.

“When people hang out at the infinity end of the pool there is a step, so they have a clear view of the golf course,” she noted. “You can actually talk to golfers as they come by. It is a major hangout space.”

Alongside the pool, the white cushioned black lounge chairs with striking striped pillows welcome guests to relax for a spell. Pool goers are drawn to the set of in-pool chaise loungers where the complementary striped umbrellas can be opened to provide shade from the summer sun.

Large black metal fire bowls, anchoring the pool on its corners, add to the atmosphere during the cherished summer nights. An outdoor fire pit area, a few steps below the pool, is a perfect hideaway for their girls to hang out with their friends, providing a private spot for girl talk.

“They get a ton of use out of it, and do s’mores and things,” she smiled.

“We have a full bath in the cabana, which is nice, especially so people don’t have to go through the main house,” she continued. “When they get out of our saltwater pool, they can enjoy the beachy hardware and unique pendant light above the floating cabinet, then rinse off under the rainwater shower and put on a sundress and be ready to hang out!”

Julie embraces simplicity when it comes to landscaping and has a variety of pots with lush, tropical succulents. Timeless and very low maintenance, they provide pops of soft green juxtaposed with the white cabana, adding to the resort vibe. The simple, yet sophisticated, black wrought-iron fence features gates on both sides, welcoming neighbors and golfers.

Another nearby spot has turf and another sitting area with cornhole and other games. Their long-haired Dachshund, Gunner, is happy with the pool area too!

“It’s sort of like a vacation at home, and actually, it’s kind of hard to leave it in the summertime!” she shared.

What a joy to see this family embracing time together, inviting friends and family in and truly making memories for a lifetime.