Garden Tour No. 8 - Chuck and Cindy Bell (continued) Once in the front door, visitors are immediately drawn across the family room to the glass doors opening onto the back porch and pool area.  On either side of the steps leading down from the porch are sweet olive plants, which lend a pleasing aroma during the spring and summer months.  The 20’x40’ pool has five jets on each side that are constantly in play, creating the calming sound of running water.  Beside the pool are two gathering areas and a front walk surfaced with a decorative concrete overlay. Looking from the back porch, to the left of the pool is a two-story, attached pool house and studio that was added by the Bells when they moved in and designed by Lisa Thompson.  The ground level is a screened-in room with brick floor and antique cypress walls.  This room contains a seating area with wicker furniture as well as a functional kitchen.  A beam from the Grand Opera House/Riley Performing Arts Center in Meridian, MS adds a unique touch to this charming room.  Across the pool from the pool house is a keeping area that was also added by the Bells, replacing the screened porch that was there when they moved in.  The design creates a courtyard effect, and is enjoyed year-round by the Bells and their three young sons. The remainder of the pool area is surrounded by an iron fence bordered by needlepoint holly hedges then stepping down to a boxwood hedge, and lined with a planting of seasonal color.  The holly hedges, over time, will grow to create a “green wall” extending toward the lake and providing even more privacy to the pool area.  Landscape architect Michael Gibson, who created the patio and landscaping layout, designed them to direct a visitor’s eyes toward the back yard and the beautiful lake view beyond.  The iron fence across the south end of the pool is bordered with a planting of knockout roses, and the view is framed by two sweetbay Magnolia trees at the corners.  A stone wall separates the elevated pool area from the lower backyard. As you come down the steps from the pool area, the expansive back yard spreads gently toward the lake.  This large grassy yard is the site of many ball games during the summer months, and provides plenty of room to accommodate the boys and their friends.  To the right of the yard is a play area among large pine trees, filled with wooden playground equipment for the younger boys.  Past the play area is a large eight-hole putting green built by Southwest Greens. Finally, there is a buffer of pine trees between the yard and the lake.  Nestled between the trees is a pair of Adirondack chairs, creating a peaceful spot for Chuck and Cindy to enjoy the end of another long, fun day. The Bells’ pool, backyard and landscaping are clearly designed for beauty, but also for functionality.  They have created a wonderful place for their family to spend time together, with multiple activities available in a resort-like lakefront setting. Tablescapes for the Bell home are provided by Apple Annie’s Gift Shop, Carter Louise Antiques, The Everyday Gourmet, Gulf States Golf Cars and Top It Off. Photos by Lisa Agent