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Lad Builds Mini Mediterranean Resort In His Back Garden

Lad Builds Mini Mediterranean Resort In His Back Garden

Guy Young built a 12-foot swimming pool which was dug by hand and cost £3,000

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Guy Young was gutted when his holiday to Spain was cancelled earlier this year due to coronavirus - but things aren't all that bad, as he's just finished building a mini Mediterranean paradise in his own back garden. Check it out below:

The garden features a 12ft by 7ft by 5ft swimming pool Guy made using 38,000 blue mosaic tiles; a hot tub sheltered in a large wooden gazebo; a swing seat overlooking the pool; and a built-in BBQ and cocktail bar.

Guy, 34, who hadn't had much experience of DIY prior to this, studied YouTube tutorials to help him build the incredible holiday complex behind his two bed semi-detached house.

The project set the optician back £6,500 ($3,700) - a significant saving compared to having it all done professionally.

BNPS

BNPS

BNPS

Guy, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, started building two years ago but found time to finish the project during lockdown. He also had help from friends Luke Ridgeway and Ian Murphy - who came over when restrictions eased.

He was meant to be sunning himself in Alicante, Spain, this May before Covid-19 put an end to everyone's travel plans - but his garden retreat doesn't seem too bad an alternative.

Guy said: "When the sun is out it definitely feels like I'm on holiday in Spain, especially when I'm sat in the pool drinking a margarita.

"I have no previous building experience at all, it was all done by watching YouTube tutorials and by trial and error. I am really proud with what I have achieved but also very shocked I was able to do it."

BNPS

BNPS

Guy started the project by creating a timber seating deck at the bottom of the garden. He said: "I then extended it to hot tub gazebo and a bar and barbecue area. I then dug a 12ft by 5ft by 5ft hole for the pool."

He even avoided hiring a digger or concrete mixer to save on costs. He explained: "Me and a friend dug it with spades which we thought would straight forward until we hit some concrete foundations and had to get rid of them with a sledgehammer.

Guy getting the cocktails in.
BNPS

"The digging part took one-and-a-half months. After that we had to laying the base using reinforced concrete. We had to hand-mix one tonne of concrete.

"Then I laid the 5ft of concrete blocks around the edges and for the seating step in the pool. Sealing and rendering came next to make a smooth surface for the 38,800, 2cm by 2cm square tiles."

The hot tub area.
BNPS

He went on: "I had to fit the pump after that and then built the decking surround. It took two days to fill with water from a garden house and I have to put in three chlorine tablets a day.

"My budget was always the main consideration but I was in no particular rush to build it.

"I spent £3,000 on the pool and about £6,500 on the garden overall. But because I did it over such a long period I didn't really notice the money going out. It was great fun to do and a really great experience."

Featured Image Credit: BNPS

Topics: UK Community, Coronavirus, Community, UK