Well Kmcg, you're not the first one to scratch their heads about this one! I had a local plumbing/bathroom remodler come over and take a look at it, and he also suggested redoing the plumbing. But in order to replumb we would have to take out the tub, redo the drain, etc. The estimate he gave me was 8K, but that was also to remove the tub and put in a new one. So yes, it WOULD be so much easier to have the plumbing on the square wall. But it's not, lol! If we go through the trouble to redo the plumbing, really makes no sense to keep the original tub. But it's size and configuration works for the tiny space. I've had this house for 8 years and have been round and round about it. My neighbor had his tub torn out, no change in the location of the drain and water feeds, and had a built-in tub installed. But he also had the whole bathroom redone, including removal of the radiator to give more space in there. We just can't afford to do something that elaborate, nor do we really want to spend that much time and have the bathroom that torn up. We're not sure how much longer we'll be in the house, so we want to keep it as simple as possible. The plastic shower surround setup was not very well installed (I inherited it) and it is getting pretty gunky so we need to do something. We want something better than what we have but want to stick with the original tub, since its size and shape works with the current room set-up. BF is a great tiler and carpenter, but he's no lover of plumbing. It does baffle me why they set it up that way. I seem to recall talking to one of my neighbors who still has the original tub, and I think maybe she said there wasn't a shower originally. These are row houses so are all laid out the same, but there have been MANY changes to them over the years! I do know all of them are plumbed that weird way. The electrical wiring for the bathroom light is on the other side, with the switches outside the bathroom. Here's a picture I found online, but as you can see, the more logical plumbing! And here's a real life example: But I'm sure there was some original logic to the way the tub was done. BF thinks we will be sorry if we don't keep some kind of wall there. If we do have the wall, it will be very tastefully covered with ceramic tile. We may tear out the front of the low wall this weekend to get an idea of what is in there. Right now it is a mystery because the newer hot and cold water knobs on the low wall are located about 3 inches farther away than where they would be on the tub wall. We'd really rather do this job all in one big fast work session, rather than go without a shower for a couple of weeks. This is our only bathroom and we can only work in there on the weekends due to our real jobs. Whatever replica fixtures I get I will have to special order so trying to get an idea of what it will entail ahead of time. We have the tile ordered already, which was probably a mistake, its for the current set up. But when shopping for fixtures we realized we have to change what's going on with the "L" side in some way. We were anxious to get this underway!

Resurfacing is temporary but not the worst -- it salvages a tub & makes it quite usable. If you want to do it, have it delivered straight to the "refinisher." In the future someone can come to your home to re-do it as only the inside will need refreshing. But as GreenDesigns says, the update won't be longterm or porcelain. I have a claw foot tub, original to the house, but I don't recommend them. Here's why: 1) They are horrible to clean under and around. Quickly you discover why tubs evolved into smooth creatures. 2) You may not get the fantasy soak you seek if the overflow drain is low. Codes get in the way of circumventing drain placement or lack thereof. 3) Cast iron tubs make heavy immovable flowerpots. (I do know folks who've rigged them out back for garden soaks, great ice breaker at parties!) On the up side, these old cast iron tubs retain heat in your bathwater wonderfully. And you can't have too much fun in a garden. I'll be curious to hear what you decide to do.

Thanks so much for commenting! I would love to consider a wall-mounted extension arm as an option, but I haven't been able to find one that is long enough. If you have suggestions for sourcing, please let me know. Also, we're moving to more modern-looking chrome fixtures, and the freestanding options that I'm finding are either rather Victorian or the handshowers have a shape that really is not conducive to using as an overhead shower (e.g. see attached photo for the most common modern option). If we can source an extension arm, do you think we would be able to replace the handshower with a more functional option and replace the attached tube (so it can reach the extension arm)?

You have all provided great information for to me consider. I've moved from absolutely wanting a claw foot tub to not wanting one! However, I still want a tub. I'm remembering that in a previous house I had a soaker-tub with a 12" tile surround that I could sit on and swing into the tub. And I was in my 30s but we also installed grab bars and it worked for me. I'm now looking at soaker-tub options. One is only 19" to step over (my current tub is a 24" step over). Might work. * I should have mentioned before that we're also installing a 42" x 42" shower with seat. The tub is just to satisfy my "I wanna be a tub woman" longing. auntthelma: "if I'm not a tub person, why would I invest in a nice tub?' lindsey: "Buy for the life you have, not the one you wish you had." In thinking about it ... I believe that if a person wants to paint, they should paint. If they want to travel, they should pack up and go. If I don't install the tub I'll wonder, what if ..." Too damn old to let opportunity pass by. All of your posts have been thoughtful and helpful and funny! Thank you all and keep um coming. I'll keep you posted on progress ...