More than ever, our homes have become places of comfort and refuge. With temperatures heating up, we are now turning to our outdoor spaces as an extension of our homes. Today I’m sharing our outdoor living space along with links to some truly inspiring blogger’s gardens. Here at The Big Sur House, we spend most of our time on the front deck (you can find the story on creating the deck here). With the stay at home order still in place, we’ve been working hard to transform some other parts of the property on these three wild and overgrown acres!
We have multiple seating areas and nooks within our homes, and I like to do the same outside. Whether it’s a place in the shade or a sunny lounging area, it’s nice to have options. I also use portable furniture that can be moved for extra guests or to follow that last sunny spot of the day.
We’ve installed an outdoor shower in every home we have lived in. It doesn’t need to be fancy…the pure joy that comes from showering outdoors is enough. The Big Sur shower is tucked into the garden with the smell of lavender and honeysuckle nearby. It gets a lot more use than the indoor shower. 🙂
The deck is truly the heart of the outdoors here. The “living room” is furnished with the Marbella Collection teak seating from RH. This is the natural finish teak with Perennials fabric in sand. They were one of the only companies that would deliver up our road!
The outdoor dining table was a labor of love by our contractors. I knew exactly what I wanted and they brought my vision to life! You can read more about how it became a table from a fallen cypress tree here.
And last but not least, on our deck, is this small seating nook that has become one of my favorite spaces. The stump table is from West Elm. We bought the teak root ball chairs years ago from Porch. They were at the Santa Barbara house, but they truly belong here in Big Sur…
Since the pandemic, I’ve been focusing on the front garden. It’s still a work in progress that I hope to be sharing soon. Here’s a peek at what it looked like two years ago on the day we first laid eyes on the house.
Here’s a sneak peek at what I’ve been working on…
Be sure to check out these other fabulous bloggers for more outdoor living ideas and inspiration!
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Love all the spaces you have that take in the wonderful views. The RH set was made for your house! I love also that little corner with the burl wood chairs. I think you’ve done an amazing job with the space. It really takes vision and what a difference. The outdoor shower must be heavenly. So fun doing this with you and seeing all the great homes and ideas. xo
Thanks so much, Kim! It’s been a labor of love. I lost my heart to Big Sur many years ago and in my wildest dreams didn’t picture myself living here part time …well a lot of the time! Truly blessed.
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Wow…truly a bit of heaven on earth, right in your own backyard. So beautiful and serene. I think I could sit on your deck for hours and never get a thing done! Thanks for sharing your wonderful outdoor space.
Hi Gail! I’m not sure how I missed your comment but thank you so much. It truly is a bit of heaven on earth and I feel blessed to call this place home.
This is such an amazing spot Elizabeth, and your transformation is spectacular.
I’ve been a lover of the Big Sur area since I was a kid. My mom and her best friend took a bunch of us camping here sometime in the early ’60s! Can you even imagine how crazy it must have been then? I suspect some of the same people are still here and got lost in the beauty of the coast.
Thanks for sharing your amazing house and photos of Big Sur!
I love to stop by to see what your up too. ;))
Best, Kelley
Thanks so much, Kelley. I would have loved to have visited Big Sur in the 60’s! I was an East Coast girl and definitely not a camper…ha!
I feel so blessed to be able to spend time in this place I love so much. Have a beautiful rest of the day…
Elizabeth! You truly create one-of-a-kind breathtaking spaces indoors and out! Big Sur has a mystique all its own and you’ve have captured it in your spaces and organic furniture beautifully!
Your home in Big Sur is a favorite. My husband and I love the Big Sur and Carmel area. That view is breathtaking. I’m not sure I’d get very much done as I’d be tempted to while away the day with a book and the view. 🙂
Karen
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You are the luckiest lady on the planet my friend! Have a great time at your Santa Barbara place this weekend…xo
I most definitely am, Janet! It’s June Gloom here in SB but I’m so excited to see my daughter who is driving up from LA today. Plus, I’m finally getting a proper haircut today! Woohoo! It’s the little things…
MAGAZINE WORTHY!
STUNNING……………..THAT VIEW!
You’re too kind! Thank you so much!
Absolutely gorgeous grounds and view! I can almost smell the pines, the sea and the cypress!
Love your table.
Thank you, Ginger! The jasmine is just about finished but we still have the smell of the sea and now honeysuckle! 🙂
Oh I absolutely love all of your outdoor spaces. What a view. I have been a fan on IG for a long time. Your images always stop me in my tracks! So happy to be on this tour with you. xo
Thank you so much Ashley for stopping by! The house and garden are truly a labor of love that I’m quite sure will keep me busy and inspired for years to come! 🙂
Sorry to be late to the party. I babysitter my two-year-old granddaughter all day yesterday and didn’t get home until 8 and promptly went to bed! She is a handful now! Elizabeth you have truly carved out your own Eden. Every detail is perfectly considered. Each area blurs the line between home and the landscape. I so admire your vision. I honestly could not pick a favorite space. Each has it’s own carefully chosen identity. I am in awe. You have inspired me to do more in my own garden. Thank you so much for joining us you made my day!
Hi Cindy…never need to apologize for real life! And how wonderful to be able to be with your granddaughter. I drove down to Santa Barbara yesterday to meet up with my daughter for the weekend and to get a MUCH needed haircut! So I was a big late to the party too. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words…you are a master gardener and I am in awe of you! Thank you for including me in this talented group of women.
xx E
You have such a great eye. Together with the house and the views… It is elegant and restrained and perfect! I stand in awe!
You’re so sweet! Thank you so much 🙂
xx Elizabeth
On the galvanized tubs that your herbs are in, do you drill holes in the bottom to allow the water to leave? What type of tool or drill bit do you use?
Hi Emma,
Yes you definitely need drainage holes. My little rechargeable drill wasn’t able to get the job done so I had my contractor do it using a drill bit made for metal. Hope that answers your question…
Absolutely beautiful! How fortunate you are to have such a lovely home in one of the most magnificent settings in the world.
Thank you so much! I still pinch myself that I live in this incredible scenic place. I’m grateful each and every day…