San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Indoor pools make a splash no matter the weather
Fall is officially here, and outdoor pool season is winding down for large swaths of the country.
With public pools closed in most of the country this summer, folks were desperate for any sort of aquatic relief. Interest in aboveground pools, plunge pools, and stock tank pools all spiked as homeowners sought to beat the heat in their own backyard.
But for a select few, swimming pool season is yearround — and it never means having to dip a toe outside the confines of the house. For homeowners lucky enough to possess an indoor pool, practicing laps or simply dog paddling in the shallow end can take place any time of year.
And your own personal natatorium can be a reality! We’ve found eight homes with indoor pools for sale right now — so we invite you to wade on in.
Of course, this amenity doesn’t come cheap. Most of the homes we spotted come with price tags over a million bucks. For buyers with the cash to splash out, these homes present an intriguing opportunity. For those on a smaller budget, use these eight examples as inspiration for your own chlorinesoaked fantasies.
27500 La Vida Real, Los Altos Hills
Price: $ 39,998,000
Swanky in Silicon Valley: The priciest home with an indoor pool we’ve spotted sits in the hills overlooking Silicon Valley. The 21,000squarefoot residence also comes with a home theater and wine cellar. If you’d like to sip your favorite chardonnay while in the water, you can— the pool features a swimup bar. And if you need to conduct business after a swim, the home is equipped with a spacious office space and conference room.
20 Southland Ave., Greenville, S. C.
Price: $ 2,000,000
Making a splash in South Carolina: Marketed as “one of Greenville’s finest homes,” this fivebedroom mansion has a classic exterior. However, we’re more interested in the glorious pool. Located in a structure with skylights and abundant windows, the pool is bathed in natural light. After you’re done taking a dip, you can warm up in the hot tub or sun yourself in the adjacent courtyard area.
1275 Silver Tip Lane, Evergreen, Colo.
Price: $ 6,500,000
The place for exercise: Besides an indoor pool, this Rocky Mountain mansion comes equipped with a tennis court and indoor gym. The wide deck surrounding the pool means there’s plenty of space to gather after taking a dip. An adjacent kitchen and bar area also means sustenance is never out of reach — which is crucial after a big workout.
8001 Oak St., Arvada, Colo.
Price: $ 740,000
Rocking retro vibes: Colorado’s already experienced its first winter snow, and it’s not even November. So an indoor pool in the Rocky Mountain State is the perfect hedge against frosty climes. This amoebashaped pool is attached to a fivebedroom home built in 1969. We adore the wood paneling on the walls and ceiling. Sliding doors next to the pool mean the area can easily open to the outdoors during warmer summer months. After you’re done cannonballing, prepare yourself a highball at the home’s wet bar.
10 Bowie Place, Colts Neck, N. J.
Price: $ 2,149,000 Natatorium in New Jersey: This fourbedroom home is said to be inspired by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
While Wright was a fan of incorporating natural elements into his organic designs, we’re not sure if he ever drew up a place with an indoor pool. The lightfilled pool room echoes the rest of the home, where windows and natural light are plentiful. Forget the shore, get your laps indoors!
9286 Falling Waters Drive E, Burr Ridge, Ill.
Price: $ 1,750,000
Bargain mansion included: This massive 11,000squarefoot mansion is priced at only $ 158 per square foot — half the price it sold for a decade ago. Plus there’s this pool! We’re not sold on the brick surrounding the pool and the Juliet balconies overlooking it, but it’s a place to splash around during the bitter Illinois winters.
21811 Hillandale Drive, Elkhorn, Neb.
Price: $ 1,100,000 Natatorium in Nebraska: This fourbedroom home is filled with all sorts of modern design flourishes. In welcome contrast, the indoor pool area is simple and unadorned. Best of all? There’s a diving board! Practice your halfpike without ever setting foot outside your front door.
612 Rivercrest Drive, McLean, Va.
Price: $ 12,800,000 Diplomatic immunity? This castle just outside Washington, DC, emanates strong embassy vibes. Inside the 16,000squarefoot residence you’ll find large expanses of marble, columns aplenty, and plenty of other ornate details. The pristine pool area is surrounded by a large deck— ideal for an ambassador or attache to host fellow dignitaries.