Oh, to have a swimming pool... The beach is a great escape but there is something so decadent about having a private pool — a tiny escape, always available, right in your own yard. Sadly, most in-ground pools are huge, overbearing rectangles surrounded by a sea of boring concrete. But on our recent trip to Philip Johnson's Glass House our faith was renewed in the ability of a manmade swimmin' hole to be both beautiful and subtle, while peacefully coexisting with the residential environment...

The small scale, swirling pool is surrounded by lush, tall grass on all sides making it almost invisible when seen from the house — a seductive sliver of cool blue water peeking through the field of green grass. The round shape makes it much more social than athletic, which we love. A submerged circular ramp guides the swimmer from a shallow entry to a deep, almost dive-safe center. The cool stone overhang creates a lovely pier effect, perfect for dangling feet on a warm summer day.

While not for little ones, this pool is quite the luxurious, private escape!