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Luxury baths: his, hers, ours and yours

February 24, 2007

"After seven years of marriage, I'm sure of two things ... first, never wallpaper together, and second, you'll need two bathrooms ... both for her," comedian Dennis Miller once joked.

Miller may jest, but bathrooms have become serious business.Results from the National Association of Home Builders' American Housing Survey found that a half-bath adds approximately 10½ percent to a suburbanhome's value and a full bath adds about 20 percent. In essence, the bathroom has evolved from a "must have" to a "must have more of," not just in terms of how many, but how they are used and what they include, according to Gladstone Homes.

"Through 18 years in homebuilding, Gladstone Homes is very tuned-in to the needs of active families and discerning customers," said Marketing Manager Aimee Babcock. "To address these needs we've consciously incorporated luxury features as standards in all of our bathroom designs."

Features such as oversized corner tubs, private water closets, separate his-and-hers vanities or dual-bowl vanities, linen closets, and his-and-hers walk-in closets are included in Gladstone's Premiere Series homes and are available as affordable options in Gladstone's Signature Series homes and its Luxury Townhomes.

Furniture-quality wood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and decorator mirrors are standard features in all Gladstone baths, as are Moen and Kohler faucets and fixtures.

Gladstone's Ashstone floor plan offers all the luxuries of Premiere Series master baths and, at more than 250 square feet, it is perhaps Gladstone's most appealing.

At the entrance to the master bath is a 13-foot hallway from the master bedroom flanked by his-and-hers walk-in closets. The master bath features separate his-and-hers vanities, a private water closet, a corner whirlpool tub and separate shower. An optional vault ceiling and skylight add to its overall luxury.

"When people walk into the Ashstone master bath, they just stop in their tracks," said Sales Manager Betsy Roos. "It's simply extraordinary."

In addition to the master bath, a dual-vanity hall bath and first floor powder room are standard inclusions in the Ashstone. However, the home offers up to four full baths, including one at the fourth bedroom and, in lieu of the powder room, a full bath adjacent to the first floor guest room.

Each of Gladstone's 20 floor plans includes a master bath, an additional full bath and a powder room. Depending on the plan, the number of baths can be upgraded to as many as 4-1/2.

"How many baths a home has or can have is a common question," said Roos. "The standard inclusions and options we offer have helped buyers, who were set on Gladstone and the community, to decide among floor plans."

Roos described one Gladstone family's bathroom-driven selection.

"The family initially chose our Riverstone plan, which is a very popular home and offers up to 4½ baths," said Roos. "However, they ultimately purchased the Creststone plan specifically for its Jack and Jill bath option between the third and fourth bedrooms."

The Creststone includes a luxury master bath, second-floor hall bath and, among its options, a full bath at the first floor powder room. Located near the study, this is ideal for homeowners who want to create a first floor guest or bedroom suite.

"This is such a popular selection in our Premiere Series homes that we've recently reconfigured our Signature Series homes to allow a full-bath option for the den," Babcock said.

The Baystone, from the Luxury Townhome Series, is Gladstone's newest plan and features a dual-master suite design with an interesting adaptation of the Jack and Jill concept at its second-floor master. A private dressing room with vanity leads from the 300 square-foot second floor master bedroom to the second floor bath. From the loft or optional third bedroom, a second private vanity room also leads to the bath.

"The vanity room at either side allows homeowners to keep their personal space behind a closed door and still have a bathroom available when entertaining in the loft," Babcock said.

The Baystone also offers a spacious master bath within the first floor master suite and a first floor powder room.

"Families are busier than ever and there's no time to wait in line for the bathroom," said Babcock. "And after a long and busy day, homeowners want a place to escape for privacy and relaxation. For many, that place is the bath."

Professionally decorated models of Gladstone's Premiere Series, Signature Series and Luxury Townhomes, all with luxurious baths and options, can be toured in North Aurora, Plainfield and Yorkville. Call 630-428-4000 or visit www.gladstonehome.com.