Project Spotlight: Grand Scale Outdoors

When these longtime Jackson Design and Remodeling clients returned to us after completing an interior remodel in 2015, they were ready to reimagine how their Rancho Santa Fe property supported family life and entertaining.

Set on more than two acres with sweeping views of rolling hills, the home had extraordinary potential. Yet the existing pool, terraces, BBQ area, and pathways felt disconnected and did not fully embrace the setting.

We designed a new cabana addition as the architectural anchor, then reorganized the surrounding outdoor spaces into a cohesive retreat for cooking, games, swimming, conversation, and relaxed time together.

Designed for Family, Art, and Entertaining

The homeowners, a couple with two sons, enjoy hosting friends and family, preparing large Italian meals, playing games, and spending time outdoors. They wanted a setting that could welcome a crowd while still feeling comfortable for everyday family life.

The wife, a retired ballet dancer, also brought an appreciation for classic form and modern artistry. That perspective helped shape the project’s refined palette and several personalized details, including stair railings designed to subtly evoke ballet barres.

We approached the property as a complete design challenge. The goal was to create stronger circulation, make better use of the views, and give each activity a clear place within one unified composition.

Bright Rancho Santa Fe backyard with pool, lounge deck, outdoor kitchen, and Mediterranean-style home.

Sunlit game room with pool table, contemporary pendants, and floor-to-ceiling glass opening to the patio.

A Cabana That Anchors the Property

We added the cabana to the east side of the home and designed it to parallel the existing residence. Its position strengthens the relationship between the house, pool, terraces, and surrounding landscape.

Bronze-anodized LaCantina folding doors enclose the cabana on three sides, preserving views of the south slope, outdoor living areas, and rolling hills beyond. The homeowners gained the protected interior environment they wanted while maintaining a close connection to nature.

With the doors open, the cabana becomes part of the outdoor experience. When closed, it remains bright, expansive, and visually connected to the property.

Bright game room with pool table, fireplace, modern lighting, and expansive glass doors overlooking tropical landscaping.

An Interior Designed for Gathering

We organized the cabana into distinct areas for games, dining, conversation, and relaxation. A custom pool table anchors the open plan, while an arcade table, built-in cabinetry, lounge seating, and a dining area support both family time and larger gatherings. Above, the sculptural ceiling and layered lighting add architectural rhythm throughout the room.

Refined living room with marble fireplace, modern furnishings, built-in cabinetry, and graphic wall accents.

A Fireplace With Architectural Presence

At one end of the cabana, a honed Statuary White marble surround and custom concrete mantel create a strong focal point. Symmetrical cherry cabinetry with an ebony stain adds warmth and balance, while the fireplace makes the room inviting for evening gatherings and cooler days.

Resort-style pool and lounge area framed by palm trees, hillside views, and a shaded outdoor kitchen.

Bringing Order to the Outdoors

The original property had generous space, but its outdoor areas lacked a clear sequence and sense of arrival.

We created a more defined entry path and connected the upper and lower terraces through a stronger circulation plan. Existing stairs were retained and incorporated into the new composition rather than treated as a limitation. Paired tree planters, low walls, steps, and repeated materials introduced symmetry and brought a more comfortable human scale to the site.

Belgard Mirage Glacier porcelain pavers continue from the exterior into the cabana, reinforcing the relationship between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Within this larger plan, we created distinct destinations for cooking, recreation, and conversation.

Rancho Santa Fe outdoor kitchen with shaded pergola, bar seating, built-in grill, and palm-filled views.

Cooking With a View

We repositioned the outdoor kitchen toward the rolling hills, making cooking and casual dining part of the landscape experience. A generous island supports preparation and seating, while Lynx appliances and Dekton surfaces create a refined, durable work area. Above, the pergola gives the space architectural definition and filtered shade.

Outdoor kitchen and pergola with ping pong table overlooking the hills in Rancho Santa Fe.

Recreation and Relaxation

We strengthened the connection between the pool, cabana, and terraces, then created distinct areas for lounging, games, and quiet time outdoors. A custom ping-pong table and putting green support active family time, while the pool deck offers a more inviting place to relax and enjoy the property.

Outdoor fire lounge with sculptural seating, palm trees, and a wide view across the landscaped grounds.

Gathering by the Fire

We integrated the retained stairs into a new curved fire-pit terrace that helps connect the upper and lower levels. The custom fire feature creates a warm destination for conversation, with views across the pool and surrounding hills.

A Rancho Santa Fe Retreat Transformed

The completed project gives the homeowners a more connected way to experience their property. The cabana, terraces, pool, outdoor kitchen, and gathering areas now feel like parts of one carefully planned environment shaped around the views.

The result supports both large celebrations and relaxed family time, with spaces for cooking, games, conversation, and quiet moments outdoors.

As repeat clients, our continued relationship reflects the trust at the heart of our integrated design-build process.

Expansive pool terrace with curved fire feature, cushioned seating, palm trees, and scenic hillside views.

Luxury Outdoor Living and Design-Build Remodeling in Rancho Santa Fe and Across San Diego

A project of this scale required careful coordination across architecture, interiors, construction, materials, and site planning.

Our integrated design-build team designed the cabana to relate to the existing home, retained and incorporated key site elements, connected multiple levels, and organized several activity zones around the landscape. Explore more award-winning whole home, addition, and outdoor living projects in our portfolio.

For over 35 years, Jackson Design and Remodeling has helped San Diego homeowners create architecturally sophisticated spaces personalized to their lifestyles. Our award-winning designers, architects, and construction professionals guide complex projects through precise documentation, dedicated project management, and a collaborative team approach.

Considering an outdoor living transformation, home addition, or whole home project? Join us at an upcoming Home Remodeling Seminar or contact our team to begin the conversation.

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