There is a distinct standard of living on the Main Line. From the historic estates of Bryn Mawr to the sprawling landscapes of Gladwyne, homeowners here understand that a home isn’t just where you live—it’s where you host, relax, and create a legacy.
If you’ve already invested in a stunning in-ground pool, you know it’s the centerpiece of your summer. But to truly transform your backyard into a five-star resort, a custom pool house is the ultimate finishing touch.
At Dutchies Stoneworks, we specialize in blending world-class masonry with functional luxury. Here is everything you need to know about building a custom pool house in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
What is a Pool House?
In the simplest terms, a pool house is a multipurpose structure located adjacent to your swimming pool. However, for a Main Line property, it is much more than a “shed with a changing room.”
A true custom pool house serves as an anchor for your outdoor living space. It provides a dedicated area for entertaining, guest accommodations, and storage, all while protecting your main home from the inevitable “wet footprint” trail. Whether it’s a rustic stone cottage or a sleek modern pavilion, it is a lifestyle investment that adds significant value to your property.
Must-Have Features for Your Main Line Pool House
When we design pool houses at Dutchies, we focus on the “Four Pillars of Outdoor Living”: Utility, Comfort, Entertainment, and Craftsmanship.
1. The Essentials: Bathroom and Storage
Practicality is the foundation. A full or half bath is the most requested feature, allowing guests to rinse off and change without entering the main house. Additionally, integrated storage keeps your pool chemicals, floats, and cleaning equipment tucked away behind beautiful stone veneers rather than cluttering the deck.
2. The Entertainment Hub: Bars and Lounges
Why walk back to the kitchen for a refill? A built-in bar with granite countertops and a wet bar setup makes hosting effortless. Pair this with an indoor lounge area featuring large sliding glass doors or “phantom” screens to create a seamless transition between the air-conditioned interior and the poolside breeze.
3. The Dutchies Touch: Stone and Masonry
As stone specialists, we believe the structure should look like it has been part of the landscape for decades. We utilize:
- Natural Stone Veneer: To match the historic PA farmhouse aesthetic.
- Flagstone or Travertine Flooring: Durable, slip-resistant, and timeless.
- Outdoor Kitchens: Custom-built stone islands featuring high-end grills, pizza ovens, and beverage fridges.
4. Beyond the Walls: The Surrounding Living Space
A pool house shouldn’t be an island. We design the surrounding area to include:
- Fire Features: A massive stone fireplace or a sleek gas fire pit for chilly PA autumn nights.
- Covered Seating: A deep overhang or pergola to provide relief from the midday July sun.
Dining Zones: Dedicated spaces for al fresco meals under the stars.
Our Proven Design-Build Process
Building a permanent structure on your property requires precision. Our process ensures that your pool house is not only beautiful but structurally sound and compliant with local Main Line township ordinances.
- Discovery & Design: We meet at your home to discuss your vision. We look at the architecture of your main house to ensure the new pool house feels like a natural extension of your home.
- Engineering & Permitting: We handle the technical “heavy lifting,” ensuring drainage, utility lines (water, electric, gas), and zoning requirements are met.
- The Build: Our master masons and craftsmen take over. From the foundation to the final stone cap on the chimney, we maintain a clean, professional job site.
- The Handover: We walk you through every feature of your new sanctuary, ensuring every stone is perfectly placed.
How Much Does a Custom Pool House Cost in PA?
Budgeting for a pool house in the Main Line area depends on the complexity of the build and the materials chosen. Because we specialize in high-end masonry and custom construction, our projects typically fall into the following ranges:
- Basic Pool Pavilion ($50,000 – $80,000): A covered structure with a stone-clad outdoor kitchen or fireplace, but without fully enclosed living quarters or a bathroom.
- Mid-Range Pool House ($90,000 – $150,000): A fully enclosed structure including a bathroom, changing room, high-quality stone finishes, and a lounge area.
- Luxury Custom Estate ($200,000+): A “mini-home” featuring a full kitchen, guest suite, HVAC, premium natural stone masonry, and integrated smart-home technology.
Note: Utility hookups (trenching for water, sewer, and gas) can significantly impact the final price depending on the distance from the main house.
Ready to Transform Your Backyard?
A pool house is more than just a building—it’s where your summer memories are made. If you’re looking for a builder who understands the unique landscape and architectural standards of the Main Line, look no further than Dutchies Stoneworks & Outdoor Living.