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Clever design can elevate a pool from a nice-to-have to your favorite part of your home. If you're looking to create a mini-vacation in your backyard, look no further than Sylvester Stallone's former California home for a blueprint.
The White Eagle Ranch in Hidden Hills, which Stallone owned from 1986 to 1992, featured one of the most gorgeous and inviting pool ideas we've ever seen.
Rather than a typical rectangle, the water takes an irregular, curved shape that feels naturally built into the surrounding landscape, making it feel much more like an organic body of water than a manmade pond. Surrounding rocks bolster this feel. Towering palm trees and desert grasses complement this tropical aesthetic.
Since Mediterranean and other tropical climates are common vacation spots, styling your pool area after these areas of the world is a surefire way to transform it into a local holiday. Thus, Homes & Gardens is deep-diving into Sylvester's look. We spoke with experts on the benefits of a paradise-like garden and how to create a tropical aesthetic anywhere, and curated an edit of our editors' essentials to make emulating the look easy.
Sylvester Stallone's pool at the White Eagle Ranch in Hidden Valley, California
(Image credit: Paul Harris via Getty Images)
Shop The Tropical Pool EditFirst, it's important to recognize that whether or not you have a pool, the right outdoor accessories and planting are a huge part of what makes your house a home.
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Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, explains: 'Your garden is your own piece of the great outdoors. However big or small it is, with the right plants, furniture, and accessories, it can become a beautiful garden paradise.' By opting for plants you love, an irregular pool shape, and stylish accessories, it's easy to build your own dream at your home.
The next practical step for creating this paradise is tropical planting. If you are struggling with the heatwave this summer, emulating Sylvester's planting can mean at least your garden will be thriving.
Horticulturist and founder of YouGarden, Peter McDermott explains: 'People often think gardens are destined to struggle in a heatwave, but there are plenty of beautiful plants that positively thrive in hot, sunny conditions. Many Mediterranean varieties are used to cope with periods of drought and are a brilliant option if people want a garden that looks lush and impressive without constant watering.'
As we see in Sylvester Stallone's garden, palm trees are an excellent choice for sunny planting that makes a poolside feel gorgeously tropical. Peter explains: 'Palms create immediate impact and can transform a garden into something that feels much more exotic. Phoenix palms and fan palms are particularly good options for sunny, sheltered spots and are becoming increasingly popular.'
To keep these gorgeous trees thriving, a carefully planned watering routine is essential. Peter states, 'Watering first thing in the morning and again in the evening gives plants the best chance to absorb moisture before and after peak temperatures.'
'We also recommend watering at the base of the plant rather than spraying the leaves, as this helps conserve water, prevents scorching, and ensures moisture reaches the roots directly,' he continues. 'Adding compost, bark or gravel around plants also helps lock moisture into the soil and keeps roots cooler.'
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