Tranquil Waters Sanctuary, McLean, VA
Shaped by water, stone, and expansive views, this McLean property was transformed into a private hillside sanctuary. Set along a dramatic 30-foot grade change, the landscape is anchored by an 18′ × 40′ swimming pool paired with a raised 48-square-foot spa. Clad in stacked stone and finished with travertine coping, the elevated spa provides a striking focal point and an exceptional vantage from within the water. Beneath the refined surface, carefully integrated systems—including updated mechanicals, an automatic pool cover, LED lighting, and Jandy automation—ensure seamless, year-round performance. The pool terrace is composed of more than 1,000 square feet of travertine, creating a generous platform for entertaining and relaxation.
Wide boulder steppers guide circulation from the garage to the pool, while a stone firepit with a gas ring establishes a warm gathering point for evenings outdoors. During excavation, the type of soils discovered beneath the deep end of the pool area were unsuitable to support the weight of the hardscaping and pool, prompting the installation of helical piers, which are steel foundation supports designed by structural engineers to transfer the weight of heavy material to stable soil. Combined with a raised pool beam and artfully placed boulder retaining walls, the solution resolved the site’s steep grade while creating layered outdoor rooms with both structure and visual balance.
