backyard ESCAPE

MEET THE HOMEOWNERS

When Sara and Robert Stelfox bought their new home, the entire backyard was a blank space, a big, flat rectangle of grass. Anyone would have called it bland, but to Sara, Robert and the Family Handyman editors, it was also a perfect opportunity. After hours of sketching, debating and refining plans, we selected the projects shown in this issue. Sara’s favorite feature is the roomy lounger. Tucked into a corner, it’s a private getaway where she can relax with a book. For Robert, the pergola has transformed the backyard the most. It blocks the Florida sun but allows a cooling breeze to flow through. For details on these projects and more, check out the following pages.