I'm presently adding a tub alcove to an old bath which will turn it into our master bath and part of a new "suite" . I love Sarah Richardson's designs, like her program because she always explains the decision making process.

In the link you gave to her bathrooms, the first photo shows the hand held "British telephone set" option for a shower. That is the one I've chosen for my clawfoot slipper tub. I did not want a curtain or any of the attendant hardware. There is a standup shower elsewhere in the house, and this bath of ours is strictly for the TUB experience. I did not want any mildew and mold issues with it.

And the alcove is still under construction, so I cannot give pictures of it. They are framing the walls on three sides now, and will soon knock down the existing exterior wall in the old bath, which will give us a space approximately 6 foot long by 5 foot deep as an alcove. The tub is about 28 inches wide, and 60 inches long. The tub rim is drilled for the faucet set, which will go down through the floor. The tub will be pointed WEST, and that 5 foot wide end wall will have a nice sized antique stained glass window in it (which was salvaged from an old house in downtown Mobile). I picked it because of the warm golds and reds and greens and creams in it, because a tub bath at sunset is a great experience.

The walls in the alcove will have beadboard up to the high clerestory windows (Lexan) on the wall behind the tub, and then the sloping ceiling will also be beadboard. The old or existing part of the bathroom will have the thick and molded plaster walls removed to install wallboard with beadboard wainscoting below. The toilet and sink are already installed in their new spots, with the rebuilt American Standard 1.6 gallon flush toilet having a Toto washlet on it.

I'm having blocking put inside the walls now so I can add grab bars in the future. Also blocking in the ceiling so I can place hooks for my humidity-loving hanging baskets...about four of them where I won't bang my head. And in the middle, a Kichler Palla 3 light mini chandelier which will be high enough not to present a problem...or so I'm told. That open ceiling over the tub will be 9 foot or more at its highest, so I will find out this Tuesday how to hang the chandelier when the electrician arrives. Just so I cannot reach it while standing in a tub of water, I think that is the criteria, right?

Hi southerngalinnyc:

I don't know about the resale value, however, I would leave the bathtub alcove as is and not replace it with a pedestal or clawfoot tub. I think that the freestanding tub can be difficult to get in and out of as one gets older. I love the old-fashioned look, but not the inconvenience of it. I'm not too fond of the fussy curtain rod, either. And, moving the plumbing as you mentioned can be costly.

I think the aesthetic that you picked, for example, the hex tiled floor with the flowers is great. Going with black and white you can't really go wrong. The white will brighten up the space, too.

I think Sarah Richardson's country cottage is a great inspiration for your bathroom.

Good luck!

If you're using the tub for showers, then you'll need one of those oval overhead curtain rods (or the tile wall + glass door thing for a modern tub). Better that this setup is in an alcove than blocking the light from the window.

I had a clawfooted tub in my first house. Although I'm not geriatric, I thought it was easier to get in these tubs than lower modern ones because the high sides provided good support to lean on yet were narrow so you don't have to step far. Go to a plumbing showroom and see for yourself. Since the style fits your house, I'd go with a clawfoot tub and pedestal sink. With white colored tile and white sheer shower curtain, you'll get the airy look of the first pic.

Hi Riverspots,
Thanks for the vote. I am definitely going for the look you describe. And I think I am with you on having the tub not block that little small window. I am glad to hear that you think its easier to get out of, although I hadn't even considered that fact. I may be wrong, but I think of this as more of a children's bathroom. Our house has a two bedrooms and the master on this floor so while there is no way to put a tub in the master bath I think of this as more for children than for me or the geriatric guest... but maybe I am wrong.... inlaws do come to visit and can't make it up to the 3rd floor.

I don't think I can bring myself to do the actual clawfoot as much as I love the look... I think of them as being a cleaning night mare to get under and around particularly in a tight space, but maybe that's not really a problem.

Since I feel like this has to serve as a shower also, I'm trying to avoid those dang clunky oval contraptions for the curtain...

I have remodeled/added a bathroom to an alcove in a 1958 home. The decor is french country and the look is timeless. I added to the alcove plumbing, electricity heating and air to transform it into a beautiful bathroom for my little girl. It also is used as a guest bathroom since I had to cut a hole in the living room to access the room. It took me all summer to complete but was well worth the time and energy spent. My little girl loves her pedestral tub and new fixtures and we ejoy soaking in the tub after a busy day. Let me know if you would like to see the pic.

I am considering replacing my builder's grade tub in an oversize alcove in my master bath with a pedistal tub as well - very similiar to what you are describing. I've been hesitant to order one - there are no showrooms nearby where I live in rural TN - & I'd love to have cast iron. Have been concerned with how difficult they are to get in and out of and glad to know that that's not been an issue with you Riverspots. My problem is also that I have only a very small stained glass window on the long wall of the alcove that won't be centered behind the tub. I will have a separate shower, so the curtain is not an issue. Would love to pics of your remodel Johanna. I love the look of the freestanding tubs in light and cheerful rooms done in soft colors.