After searching for the perfect house for some time, Chip and Cindy Murphy were lucky enough to find a home in Little Rock’s Edgehill neighborhood, plus it was already outfitted with a spectacular pool.  “The backyard and pool area were really a selling point for us,” Cindy says.  A large retaining wall transformed the previously sloped yard into a flat, usable space that makes the most of an incredible view of the city of Little Rock and Allsop Park below.  Minimal changes to the landscape were necessary beyond transplanting a few plants and bushes. "I wanted a very manicured appearance, so we replaced some of the plants that didn't fulfill that look," Cindy says. Native Arkansas stones and a lockable gate surround the pool, and the cross of the unusual T-shape creates a wading pool ideal for small children. "We love to entertain, and we especially like that the pool is kid-friendly," Cindy says.  The outdoor area includes both a cabana-which boasts a ceiling fan for warm days and a Viking grill for outdoor cooking-and an enclosed pool house. "We love to grill and eat in the cabana because it provides a great open-air space with covering from the sun," Cindy says. The pool house is furnished with a kitchen, laundry room and full bath.  "When we look outside we feel like we're looking at an Italian villa" Cindy says. The wrought-iron railings and furniture, topiaries and fountains give the home a livable, yet refined ambience. "I love that we can use this space by day with family, and by simply moving some furniture we can also host a wonderful fundraiser at night,” Cindy says.

The pool's unique beach-style entryway, which slopes gently into the water, is perfect for the Ludwig's youngest son Kole, who is just learning how to swim.

Brooks Pool Co., Inc. | © 2014