The red-brick Georgian colonial was exactly what the couple had been searching for: a Shaker Heights home on a half acre lot with an in-ground swimming pool, along with a whirlpool spa.

But it wasn’t dive-right-in ready for fun in the sun.

Brian Shirk of Genesis Landscaping in Chardon describes a chain-link-fenced backyard with landscaping so overgrown that it obscured views of the pool from the house. More importantly, the property lacked the features that turn a pool into a centerpiece of outdoor living.

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Dawn Cook of Shaker Heights-based bldc design says the new owners envisioned hosting gatherings ranging from impromptu cocktails with friends to sit-down dinners and fundraisers.

“It needed a whole new pl

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