Echoes of the Italian coast abound at this sun-warmed, sophisticated Lake Keowee pool
Family is big in Italy, and this luxurious multilevel pool offers a taste of the Mediterranean summer for every generation gathered at the Provenza home on Lake Keowee.
“We’re Italian, and we wanted the design of our home to reflect that inside and out with elegant, timeless style and old-world Italian features,” says homeowner Mark Provenza. Provenza and his wife, Rhonda, partnered with Genco Pools to bring their vision for a waterfront retreat to life with a unique 430-square-foot free-form pool that pairs handcrafted elements with state-of-the-art technology.
From the shallow sun ledge to the roomy spa just steps from a custom bar, the Provenza pool is made to entertain both friends and grandchildren year-round in the best possible way—by maximizing the beauty of the lakeside setting while minimizing upkeep or maintenance. This dreamy combination had the TOWN team packing their bathing suits to seek a splash of Italy in South Carolina this August.
Dip Your Toes In
A 7-inch-deep sun deck (also called a sun ledge) is the perfect way to ease into this pool for those looking to be just slightly submerged on lounge chairs, or for little ones wanting to splash to their heart’s content. Convenient bench seating continues around the pool.
Italy Above and Below
Travertine stone tiles on the deck and coping bring warm Tuscan tones to the pool while staying cool in the hot Carolina sun. The St. Martin Quartz exposed-pebble finish inside the pool gives the surface below a natural feel and elegant aesthetic.
Italian Coast to Carolina Waters
An infinity edge crafted from Sierra Blue slate tile makes the most out of the gorgeous view of Lake Keowee stretching out from the pool. From there, the water cascades down a waterfall wall to splash into the fountain below, creating a soothing ambience.
Heating Up Summer
With seven hydrotherapy jets and room to accommodate several people comfortably, the 48-square-foot spa exudes relaxed intimacy while keeping guests connected to the rest of the pool with an infinity-style edge that creates a sense of shared space rather than separation.
Top Tech
New-world technology is hidden throughout this old-world-style retreat, all controlled via an app on your smartphone: from color-changing LED lights in the pool, spa, and fountain below, to a hassle-free HydraPure UV-light and ozone system, paired with a salt system that automatically adjusts sanitation levels.
Fire and Water
When it’s time to dry off, the Provenza family splashes away from the twin flames of two water-pouring fire bowls down to the open-air circular terrace, where an Italian-style fireplace glows long after the sun has set on Lake Keowee.