Maximizing Backyard Bliss

Covered patios are a crowd favorite for a reason. They offer protection from East Tennessee’s unpredictable weather while still letting you feel connected to nature. Personalizing your patio with comfy furniture and cozy lighting transforms the space into a true outdoor retreat that works as well for morning coffee as it does for late-night conversations. With the right touches, your covered patio can become a year-round retreat. If a covered patio is a must-have for your dream home, be sure to discuss adding it and other structural upgrades with your Community Sales Manager and our Design Team!

If your home features an uncovered patio, you’re working with pure potential. These open spaces are perfect for soaking in the sunshine, grilling out on warm weekends, or lounging with a good book. Even without a roof overhead, you can create defined spaces that feel both functional and inviting. Pergolas or umbrellas can offer shade, while planters and rugs add color and comfort. And when evening comes, there’s nothing better than gathering around a fire pit as the sun sets and the lightning bugs take to the skies. Just as with a covered patio, it's all about the touches you add to your space. Many of our Townhome Communities feature uncovered patios with privacy screens between homes to give you a jumpstart on customizing your outdoor space!

Outdoor living isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some folks want sprawling lawns with ample space (and ample maintenance), and some prefer the low-maintenance convenience and community that a smaller footprint provides. The secret to an amazing outdoor space isn’t how much yard you have—it’s how you use it. Larger yards thrive when they’re broken into distinct areas, allowing each corner to serve a purpose, whether it’s for dining, lounging, or letting the kids and dogs burn off energy. Smaller yards come alive through creativity—choosing the right furniture, building upward with trellises or planters, and creating cozy zones that feel both personal and practical. No matter the size, when your yard is designed with intention, it becomes a natural extension of your home.

There’s something special about a front porch in East Tennessee. It’s where neighbors become new friends, rocking chairs sway, and the day starts with sunlight. A well-designed front porch isn’t just curb appeal; it’s a connection point. Many of our Summit home plans feature deep, covered porches that invite you to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the neighborhood. With enough room for seating, décor, and maybe even a hanging swing, your front porch becomes an outdoor living room with the added bonus of friendly waves and front-row views of the seasons changing. It’s the perfect blend of private comfort and community presence.

Beyond the backyard, Turner Homes communities are designed with community connection and outdoor enjoyment in mind. At The Haven at Hardin Valley and Chapman Trace, residents enjoy exclusive access to resort-style pools, shaded pavilions, and gathering spaces that make it easy to spend time outside without ever leaving the neighborhood. These amenities create a built-in sense of community, turning ordinary afternoons into spontaneous playdates in the sun.

In all of our neighborhoods, thoughtfully placed sidewalks and greenspaces invite homeowners to get outdoors, stay active, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them. Some communities feature walking paths or playgrounds for exploring and playing.

Whether you’re adventuring with your dog, strolling with a neighbor, or watching your kids race down the sidewalk on scooters, every Turner Homes community is built to bring people together—under the sun, beneath the stars, and everywhere in between.