The Perfect Nook for a Book: How to Create the Ultimate Reading Escape with a Water Feature
There’s a rock in my front yard that has become one of my favorite places in the world. I call it my sitting rock—round, smooth, and perfectly positioned beside my pond exactly where I envisioned it. I placed it just on the edge of the shallow wading area I built into the side of my pond. From this spot, I can hear the gentle flow of the waterfall across from me, watch my koi and goldfish swim effortlessly through the water, and feel the sun warm my face as I turn the pages of whatever book I’ve chosen for the day (probably an old Star Wars series or a classical G.A.Henty story)
Beside me on another flat rock, a can of Zevia rests within reach. A bag of pretzels and a cheese platter sits nearby, my perfect snack for a slow afternoon. I always sit with my feet paddling in the cool water, letting the gentle ripples blend seamlessly with the sound of the cascading waterfall. It’s a moment of pure serenity—a quiet escape where the rest of the world melts away.
And if I decide to shift to my Adirondack chair? Well, then it’s game over—I’m guaranteed to drift off, lulled to sleep by the rhythmic trickling of water and the peaceful surroundings in our little pond nook.
This is the magic of a well-designed water feature—it’s not just a part of the landscape, but a true sanctuary at the end of a long day. And for book lovers like me, there’s no better place to get lost in a great story than beside the calming presence of flowing water. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your pond, fountain, or waterfall into the ultimate reading retreat, here’s how you can make that happen like I did.
Prefer to listen instead? Tune in below as Andrew and Emma discuss this article on the Ponderings Podcast!
Why Water Features and Reading Go Hand in Hand
There’s a reason why so many people find themselves reading at the beach, by a river, or next to a backyard pond. Water has a profound impact on relaxation, cognitive function, and emotional well-being, making it the perfect companion for an immersive reading experience.
1. Water Enhances Focus and Relaxation
The sound of flowing water has been scientifically proven to promote relaxation and increase cognitive function. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that exposure to natural water sounds, like running streams and gentle waterfalls, significantly reduces stress and enhances focus by decreasing activity in the brain’s stress-related networks (PNAS, 2021). This means that reading beside a water feature isn’t just a pleasant experience—it actually helps you absorb and retain information more effectively.
2. Natural White Noise Blocks Out Distractions
I always lose track of time when I’m at my pond. Unlike the unpredictable and often disruptive noises of urban city environments, water creates a steady, soothing background sound that enhances concentration. Research from the National Academy of Sciences found that “people who listened to natural sounds had health outcomes that were 180% better than those who did not.” This study further suggests that consistent ambient noise, like flowing water and the songs of birds around your water feature, improves information processing by masking distractions and helping the brain stay engaged with a task (NAS USA, 2021). Whether you’re lost in a novel or studying an in-depth subject, a backyard pond or waterfall provides the perfect backdrop to maintain focus.
3. Water Features Encourage Mindful Breaks
Whenever I need to relax, I know some time reading by my pond will do the trick. Sitting by a pond or waterfall naturally encourages a rhythm of reading and pausing. Studies have shown that short breaks between deep concentration tasks improve long-term retention and comprehension. According to Frontiers in Psychology, spending time near water promotes mindfulness, which in turn improves cognitive performance and information recall. They say “The ‘soft’ fascination of nature allows directed attention to rest, enhancing an individual’s ability to focus on tasks they might not inherently find interesting or fascinating” (FIP, 2024). Watching koi swim, listening to water cascade over rocks, or simply feeling the breeze near a fountain between chapters allows your brain to process and store information more effectively whether that be for study or for enjoyment.
4. A Connection to Nature Increases Reading Enjoyment
I feel this unique thrill and connection to my book when I’m at my pond. Reading in natural environments has been associated with higher levels of enjoyment and relaxation compared to indoor settings. The visual presence of water, plants, and natural landscapes boosts mood, making your reading time feel more immersive and fulfilling. Research from the American Psychological Association has demonstrated that exposure to nature can improve attention, lower stress, and enhance overall well-being (APA, 2020). I can personally back this research up with personal experience.
By transforming your water feature into a reading sanctuary, you create the perfect setting for relaxation, focus, and personal enjoyment. Whether it’s a quiet pond, a gentle waterfall, or a simple bubbling fountain, the connection between books and water is one that enhances both the mind and the soul.
How to Design the Ultimate Reading Spot by Your Water Feature
Whether you already have a water feature or are considering adding one (still not sure whether you want a pool or a pond?), there are simple ways to transform your space into the perfect book lover’s retreat.
1. Choosing the Right Water Feature for a Reading Escape
If you’re starting from scratch, consider which type of water feature will best suit your reading nook:
- A pond with a waterfall provides both movement and stillness, giving you a mix of sound and visual beauty.
- A pondless waterfall offers the relaxing ambiance of water flow without the upkeep of a pond.
- A small fountain is a great choice for smaller yards, patios, and decks where space might be limited or where you may not even have any access to diggable ground.
If you’re not sure which option is right for your space, at Superior Ponds we specialize in designing low-maintenance, tranquil water features that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. If you’re anything like me, I want to read by my water feature, not have a long list of maintenance tasks to do before opening to my bookmark.
2. Creating the Perfect Seating Area
Your reading spot should be as inviting as your book collection. Here’s what to consider:
- Choose the Right Seating – Adirondack chairs are classic for a reason (my personal favorite if you can’t tell), but outdoor cushioned lounge chairs or even a sturdy bench work great too. Whatever you choose, it should be something you find comfortable and is weather-friendly so you can leave it out all season long. If it’s a waterproof chair, and you have a wading area incorporated in your water feature, set your chair directly in the shallow area so you can be surrounded by your fish!
- Incorporate a Sitting Rock – If you love dipping your feet in the water like I do, a well-placed rock placed on the edge of the pond or waterfall can be the perfect natural seating option. While sitting here for too long can make the rear a bit sore, an outdoor pillow or garden cushion makes for an easy soft seat.
- Provide Shade – A pergola, umbrella, or strategically planted tree will protect you from the sun and reduce glare on your book’s pages. We have our pond set in a corner beside our front door which gives shade from our house for the first half of the day, and a few trees on the opposite side of the pond keeps the setting sun out of our eyes but still allows for a view of the beautiful sunset.
- Add a Side Table – You’ll want a spot for your drink and snacks—trust me, nothing ruins relaxation faster than spilled Zevia in the pond! A flat rock easily solves this, as does a cup holder in my Adirondack chair. We also have a fire table between our chairs so we can set extra drinks and snacks on a stable surface. Another option many of our clients have used are cup holder stakes that insert directly into the ground beside your sitting rock and your “cup holder-less” chair.
3. Enhancing an Existing Water Feature for Reading
Already have a pond or waterfall? Here’s how to make it even more book-friendly:
- Adjust the Water Flow – A softer, bubbling waterfall can be more relaxing than a loud, crashing one. Having an adjustable flow pump or an adjustable valve allows for some customized flow.
- Improve Lighting – Soft landscape lighting around your seating area allows for evening reading sessions. Well-placed waterproof pond lights can also extend nighttime reading sessions.
- Encourage Wildlife – Birds, butterflies, and koi fish add to the ambiance and create a more dynamic environment. You can encourage birds and butterflies with flowers and native plants, and add an appropriate number of koi and goldfish.
Is Your Water Feature a Great Reading Spot?
What’s your favorite book to read by the water? Do you have a special seating setup, a favorite snack, or a routine? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you enjoy your outdoor reading escape!
Living the Water Feature Reading Lifestyle
There’s a reason I spend so much of my free time in my front yard, book in hand, feet in the water. It’s not just about reading—it’s about fully experiencing the peace that comes with it. My wife knows it, I am most relaxed here. As a business owner too, there are so many distractions calling for my attention. Having this little oasis is my break from it all to be at peace.
At Superior Ponds, we don’t just build and maintain water features—we live this lifestyle. Our goal is to help homeowners create stress-free, hands-free retreats where they can unwind just like we do. Whether that means listening to a gentle waterfall, feeding pet koi, or getting lost in their favorite book.
If you’re ready to transform your backyard into a true escape, let’s talk today. Whether you need a new water feature or want to enhance the one you have, we’ll make sure your space is as inviting as the stories you read there.