PHOTOS BY DAN STARTA

Theresa and Dan Starta had a clear dream to blur the line between the indoors and outdoors when they discovered 10 acres of forest-filled land in Adams on which they could build their dream home.

After a decade of living in Dubai — plus five years spent in Shanghai on China’s central coast — the couple returned to Pittsburgh in 2020 with plenty of perspective to add from their travels. They hired Kaclik Builders to construct a timeless yet modern home, accented with diverse touches such as Chinese doors and TerraCotta sculptures.

“Through various outdoor spaces, we wanted to evoke fond memories of places we had traveled to and countries we had lived in and to maintain those connections with our home in Pittsburgh,” the couple wrote in an email.

Their experiences also inspired their serene outdoor space, which they hoped would feel like a resort for family and friends. That goal was achieved, according to this year’s Best of Design judges, who named it their Best Outdoor Space for 2024.

Featuring three covered verandas, the lush outdoor space designed by Hook Design Group and Ricupero Inc. has various sitting and entertainment areas where guests can socialize or relax; the indoor living spaces open to outdoor entertaining, while large windows and attached verandas serve to integrate the areas. There’s also a spacious balcony off of the primary bedroom as well as a tennis court on the property.

While the couple says they can’t pick a favorite among the outdoor seating vignettes, Dan adds there are areas to accommodate large and small groups.

“There’s enough space in the space,” he says.

Arabic lanterns, a hanging chair and a hanging daybed add to the vacation-like vibes, as does the home’s natural wooded backdrop of mature trees that change with the seasons.

“I like how they used foliage to create visual walls around the space,” says judge Stephanie Schill Hayden, an architect at Schill Architecture and a designer at House of L Interior Design in Cleveland. “It almost feels like a courtyard in a way.”

The outdoor space also includes a full kitchen and dining area with cabinetry and stone countertops that resemble a traditional indoor dining space.

“We wanted it to be where you could kind of just do everything outside,” Theresa says. “There’s the sink, there’s an ice maker, there’s refrigerators.”

Taking center stage is a pool with an integrated sundeck and hot tub designed by Lesko Contracting. Fountains and a waterfall feature that is part of a sleek firepit add to the calming ambiance, as does a cozy fireplace. Porcelain tiles and natural stone textures surround the space for a smooth transition to the greenery.

“I like that they used one paver but in different sizes,” says judge Katie Savakis, a project designer at Vocon in Cleveland. “I think going with that light stone really allows nature and the pool to speak; it doesn’t take away from it.”

The walking paths are blended with family heirloom plants, as well as shrubs and potted plants. The couple also was careful to make sure the pool was oriented to be in the sun as much as possible during Pittsburgh’s warmer months.

“Dan had studied the sun charts and mapped out the movement of the sun at different times of the year,” Theresa says.

Read more Best of Design Winners 2024.

VENDORS

Home Construction: Kaclik Builders

Pool: Lesko Contracting

Landscape Design: Hook Design Group

Landscaping, Hardscape, Fire Feature and Tile Install: Ricupero Inc

Tile and Brick: PF Cook Brick Company

TV and Sound: Theater Xtreme

Appliances: Don’s Appliances

Cabinetry: National Woodwork & Danver Outdoor Kitchens

Countertop: Primo Marble & Granite

Plumbing: LeDonne Plumbing & Contracting

Electric: Ram Electric