February 13, 2012

High-end tubs for high-end homes

By Erika Riggs, Zillow

It used to be that taking a bath was a weekly duty that involved rolling a metal wash-bin or wooden barrel inside the house, which was then laboriously filled with kettle-heated water. Depending on the wealth and hygienic attitude of the family, the entire family took turns bathing in the same water — one after another, right down to the baby.

Today, the idea of bathing takes on a whole different attitude. Bathtubs are so much easier to find, fill, and luxuriate in — especially since in some real estate circles, tubs are nothing short of a status symbol.

Whether you take a dip regularly or enjoy a long soak just once in a while, there’s no denying that being submerged in warm water is an indulgence many of us enjoy. To that end, we rounded up a collection of lavish bathtubs that may have you grabbing for the bubble bath and good book. Perhaps even some bubbly.

Stoneware Soak

6001 La Jolla Scenic Dr S #6015, La Jolla CA
For sale: $14,990,000

Forget porcelain or ceramic. This stunning soaking tub is carved from solid granite and weighs one ton. Situated in the master suite, the tub is only a small sampling of this home’s luxury. From a hospital-grade air filtration system to a home theater with a 20-foot screen, nearly every fixture in this La Jolla home is over-the-top.

Heat it Up

711 Briar Rd, Bellingham WA
For sale: $1,695,000

Forget about feeling chilly drafts when you’re in for the long soak. This Bellingham, WA home for sale has smartly situated a gas fireplace right next to the bathtub. What makes the setting even more inviting is that the soak area is part of the master bedroom, where the tub and gas fireplace combination makes for the ultimate winter retreat.

Classic Clawfoot

106 E 71st St., New York NY
For sale: $26,500,000

What else would you expect in a 1910 limestone mansion, but a gorgeous clawfoot tub? The Upper East Side townhouse has been completely renovated with touches of whimsy, including this bathroom featuring a cloud mural and hanging bubble fixture above the tub.

Free-Standing Function

53 Strand Beach Dr., Dana Point CA
For sale: $23,500,000

While most bathtubs are built into the wall, or set off in a corner, this home for sale in Dana Point makes a strong statement with the unusual placement of a deep soaking tub set in an exposed bathing room off the master bedroom. The Italian-inspired home spans 9,000-square-feet on nearly a quarter-acre property.

Vessel With a View

1200 Club View Dr PH 22, Los Angeles CA
For sale: $22,332,800

Relax in a tub that’s 22 floors above downtown L.A., complete with wide views of the skyline. Developed by the builder of the world’s tallest buildings, the penthouse in Beverly West Residences not only features a phenomenal bathtub view, but also private elevator access, high-tech control of the home through an iPad and 24-hour concierge services.

Après-Ski Spa

189 Larson Dr, Aspen CO
For sale: $25 million

Unwind after a few downhill runs in a retreat home only six miles from the slopes. The European-style home features a deep, free-standing tub facing the Rocky Mountains and the city below. Sitting on 4.13 acres, the Aspen estate also has a dramatic infinity-edged pool and outdoor living spaces for when the snow melts.

Glass-Walled Dip

(Continued on page 2)

Tweet