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Make your backyard your own personal oasis

Whether you think it’s over the top or just right, you can incorporate some of the Frys ideas in your yard

Katherine Ullmer The view of Bob and Monica Fry's backyard before the renovation. Contributed photo

ENLARGE PHOTO

Teesha McClam The Frys' pool after the renovation.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Katherine Ullmer, Staff Writer 11:05 PM Thursday, July 29, 2010

WASHINGTON TWP., Montgomery County — A satellite picture of Bob and Monica Fry’s backyard taken several years ago shows a plain fenced-in grassy area with a small in-ground pool in the middle.

Today, it looks more like a postcard scene from a tropical getaway.

A large circular wooden moon gate arbor leads into the lower level of the yard that features a 10-foot tall, 12-by-10-foot custom-built Tiki bar. The Tiki bar overlooks a modest 30-by-15-foot swimming pool.

Serpentine paver paths create a fluid flow throughout the yard. Three large stone steps lead from the lower yard to the upper pool level, where a path to the side of the house leads to a garden.

“Welcome to Paradise” proclaims a sign with a colorful painted parrot on the back wall of the Tiki bar, which features a black granite countertop, refrigerator, sink and more. The grill area is nearby.

While their backyard pool provided fun for their two children growing up, last year Monica Fry (a registered nurse and Master Gardener) and Bob Fry (a hiker and outdoor lover who is a founder and chief financial officer for Lexur Enterprises, Inc., a home appraisal business for 17 Ohio counties) saw a chance to turn their yard into a venue for relaxing and entertaining.

After transforming a small enclosed porch with a worn-out screen door into a two-level aluminum addition with lots of insulated glass along the entire back side of the house three years ago, they found the view of their fenced-in pool a bit bleak, Monica Fry said.

In four months last year, with the help of Jim Teske, owner of Centerville Landscaping, and several contractors, the Frys turned their backyard into a vacation-style retreat. Their backyard makeover was featured in the June edition of Housetrends magazine, Dayton edition.

More project highlights

Just inside the moon gate on the lower level, there is a pondless stone waterfall. A large granite boulder ideally shaped for sitting is just left of the waterfall.

The lower level has a large patio ideal for dancing and a small grassy area.

Concrete and pavers were added around the existing pool.

Garden highlights include colorful pink and red hibiscus in large blue vases, pink Rose of Sharon bushes, small red bud trees, hydrangeas, palms, grasses, hostas, a delicately vanilla-scented purple heliotrope, and a small cactus plant. A variety of metal sculptures and wall hangings and wall planters with baskets add points of interest. Curved stone wall seating and separate patio spaces and courtyards allow for separate groupings of party guests.

Monica said she hand picked the stones for the lower level, connected by the stone steps to the upper level. “It feels like it’s more one yard now, though people like to go down there to eat and socialize when we have a party,” she said.

The renovations required spending more money than they expect to get back should they ever sell the house, Monica said. But not to worry. “We plan on staying,” she said.

Home entertainment paradise

“Whenever the Tiki bar lights are on, neighbors just show up,” Bob said. “We call this the best bar in Dayton, especially for an outdoor bar,” he said.

A large bright blue fake sailfish hangs down from the roof. Other decor includes Tiki heads, a carved piece of Jamaican driftwood, a variety of small wooden signs, sea shells gathered from Sanibel Island in Florida, and strings of small colorful lights.

“We do everything over the top,” Monica whispered.

“We look at this and can’t believe it’s ours,” Bob said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2341 or kullmer@ DaytonDailyNews.com.

ONLINE: Get a peek over the fence at Bob and Monica Fry’s backyard island hideaway. DaytonDailyNews.com

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