Ready for a bath in the yard?
What can we say? Sometimes Alanis Morissette likes to enjoy her nature au naturel. In 2019, the Canadian singer-songwriter took to Instagram to share a look at her backyard oasis, which features a free-standing Victorian-style soaking tub.
The bathroom-like space is tucked under a pergola, with a gold-toned chandelier and a leopard-print rug. A wooden chair is draped with towels, and a bath tray holds some self-care essentials. A sauna sits nearby.
“4 and a half minutes of bliss is better than zero minutes of bliss,” Morissette captioned the photo.
Although the practicalities of taking a bath outside may need some working out — what of falling leaves and curious bugs? — the idea is gaining steam in the design world.
“Exterior bathtubs are becoming an attractive option for those who love spending time outdoors, especially during summer,” New York-based designer Artem Kropovinsky told Homes & Gardens.
“These tubs can be installed in various outdoor spaces such as backyards, terraces, or even rooftops, offering a distinctive approach to appreciating the natural environment.”
From a real estate point of view, the prospect of bathing al fresco could attract future buyers. After all, hot tubs and Jacuzzis have long been a sign of the luxe life.
“Outdoor features can give a home a special quality in the market,” Javier Vivas, the director of economic research at Realtor.com, told House Beautiful.
“And any time you have a unique feature, it can bolster the prospective value of a home.”
To wit, according to a report from Realtor.com, homes with outdoor showers tend to list for nearly double the asking price of other homes.
So if an outdoor bathtub is your idea of luxury, and you can work out the logistics of Canadian weather, why not make like Morissette — or even take it up a notch?
“Placing plants or flowers near the bathtub can contribute to a soothing and welcoming ambience, while incorporating candles or lanterns will bring a romantic illumination to the surroundings,” Kropovinsky said.