How to Create a Relaxation Area on the Country Estate: 13 Great Ideas

Who among us doesn't love to go out into the countryside in summer to bask in the rays of sunshine, breathe clean air and relax from the hustle and bustle of the city? Bringing these dreams into reality is not as complicated as it may seem, especially if you have a country plot and a desire to beautify it.

We offer you 13 ideas for creating a comfortable and practical relaxation area on the country estate.

1. Grill

A grill on the plot is a necessity, because everyone likes to cook kebabs outdoors. However, instead of a simple metal box, you can build something more interesting.

For example, it's better to pave the area with tiles, planks or gravel, and organize a fire pit from bricks or stones. You can arrange chairs, benches or even logs near the fire — all of this will allow a large group to gather around the fire. To make the relaxation area look stylish, it's enough to decorate it with garlands or lanterns.

2. Pool

A full-size pool near the house can only be afforded by very wealthy people. A cheaper alternative is a homemade structure made from hay blocks and thick plastic sheeting. It's easy to make by yourself and just as easy to dismantle at the end of the season.

3. Patio

A patio (from Spanish — 'courtyard') is a space with garden furniture where you can comfortably sit for conversations with friends or reading books.

You can create such a zone on the porch or backyard. The main thing is to take care of soft sofas, cushions and a table. Garden furniture can also be placed under an arbor or pergola, decorated with flowers and beautiful lighting.

4. Rocking Chair

Rocking chairs on the plot are an ideal option for sleeping, tea time and watching movies on a laptop. They are not particularly difficult to construct yourself using doors, construction pallets, wood and thick textile.

5. Bench

A regular bench is the simplest and most popular country estate accessory. A used one can easily be repaired or repainted, while a new one can be bought at the nearest building market or made by hand. For comfortable seating, furniture inserts are suitable.

6. Hammock

If you love lying down, gazing at the blue sky, dozing in fresh air or reading a book under a shady tree, then pay attention to the hammock. You can hang several of them side by side to spend time with family and friends.

7. Water Mat

A cool water mat in the heat is what could be better? It is usually placed in the shade of trees, and also used as bedding or a play area. Such a mat is made using thick paper, water and an iron.

8. Tent

A great alternative to a hammock would be a tent or canopy. They are sold in hypermarkets with country estate accessories and other specialized stores. Sometimes it's easier to build such a tent yourself — you just need a frame made of boards, PVC pipes or metal rods, and a piece of thick fabric.

9. Playground

For children on the country estate, it's better to organize an open-air play zone. For example, from simple cardboard boxes and balloons, you can make a zone inspired by the Angry Birds cartoon.

10. Theater

This option is better suited for creative families. A theater on the country estate is an original idea for entertaining guests. With some imagination, you can implement a curtain, lighting and a viewing area made from chairs and benches. Taking photos, singing, dancing or reciting poems of favorite poets — such a stage is perfect for everyone.

11. 'Hall of Fame'

An improvised 'Hall of Fame' is one of the options for country estate entertainment. You will need a form and concrete. Let family members or friends write their names on wet concrete molds, leave handprints on them — and later these slabs will become a fun pathway.

12. Checkers

If you like checkers and want to diversify the country estate pastime, then the idea of creating a playing field for checkers in the yard will surely appeal to you. It's not so hard to implement. You'll need to prepare a square area with classic tiles, then paint the tiles in black and white. The checkers themselves should be cast in a round shape from plaster or concrete.

13. Pond

In the heat, you want to dip into cool water or just splash your feet in it. For this purpose, a decorative pond is the perfect choice. To build one, you need to bury a wide tub or metal trough in the ground, pave the banks with stones or gravel, plant succulents and place artificial lilies in the water.