Resorting to Luxury
From initial design to final execution, The Northstone Group delivers hotel-level luxury at home, transforming backyards with custom concrete pools, wellness-focused design and tailored resort-style living spaces.
By Susan Kelly
Forget the lakefront cottage or Riviera retreat; these days, homeowners increasingly look to their own backyards for the ultimate elegant outdoor living environment. “They’re looking for that five-star experience, tailored to their own lifestyle and space,” says Vic Bertrand, president of The Northstone Group, one of Canada’s largest luxury landscaping and pool companies. “Think private retreat, built with the same quality and detail as the world’s top resorts.”
Over the past decade, Northstone has developed an integrated process that brings these outdoor-living spaces to life. The journey from concept to completion is seamlessly managed by an in-house team of landscape architects, designers and pool specialists—experts who bring creativity and precision to every project. “This integrated approach is crucial for achieving a cohesive aesthetic that mirrors that of the home’s architecture,” Bertrand says. “The result is a harmonious, luxurious space in which every element feels intentional.”
For homeowners building a true resort experience at home, the architectural concrete pool is the ultimate centrepiece. Northstone’s grand bespoke versions emulate those found in five-star European hotels. Infinity edges, beach entries and cascading waterfalls transform a simple swim into an immersive experience. For one recent project, a pool-adjacent sunken lounge area was fitted with a 10-foot acrylic panel, a window through which swimmers and those reclining could see each other. Features like built-in daybeds and tanning ledges also invite refined lounging. Each pool is thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless transition between water feature and garden, hardscape and softscape.
Northstone’s outdoor spaces are designed to accommodate both quiet evenings and large gatherings, featuring streamlined cooking zones, inviting lounges, and pergolas that offer shade with a simple touch of a button. Fire features, covered areas and outdoor heaters help extend the season as temperatures drop. Completing the ambience are state-of-the-art outdoor sound systems, landscape lighting and monitors. Smart home technology brings everything together, so the backyard feels like part of the home itself.
Luxury isn’t only about leisure; it’s about wellness and vitality. Many Northstone clients request dedicated spaces for active living, including private tennis and pickleball courts, putting greens and separate fitness areas. For those who prioritize wellness, the designers integrate outdoor saunas and cold plunge pools for spa-level comfort. “We’re seeing a real shift in what luxury means to people,” Bertrand says. “It’s not just about aesthetics anymore. It’s about creating spaces that support a healthier lifestyle—physically and mentally—for the long run.”
No private resort is complete without the final layer of furnishings and accessories—an essential part of the overall design. At Northstone, this phase is never an afterthought. The company’s team creates detailed outdoor furniture plans as part of the broader design process, ensuring that every piece fits the layout, flow, and function of the space. Clients receive tailored consultations to review layouts, materials, and finishes, with every selection made to complement the architectural vision.
That same attention to detail carries through every aspect of the project. With a team of 180 professionals across design, construction and project management, Northstone handles every stage in-house. From permitting and technical design to full-scale execution, it’s a fully integrated, start-to-finish experience that ensures consistency, quality and peace of mind.
With a commitment to excellence, integrated design and a passion for craftsmanship, Northstone invites you to discover the art of outdoor living—where your own five-star retreat begins just beyond your door. “We’ve changed what luxury at home looks like,” Bertrand says. “For our clients, the backyard isn’t an afterthought. It’s where they entertain, unwind and invest in how they live every day.”