showering en plein air

Let me start out by making clear that I am not an exhibitionist. As a small child, I have fond memories of coming back from the beach sandy and a bit sunburned but eagerly looking forward to the outdoor shower (or “plein air”, as I like to call it). It was the only one in the rented bungalow! Never mind that there were often a dozen of us in need of washing off the sand and suntan lotion…it was worth the wait!

Fast forward many years and my love of showering outdoors has remained. We installed one in our first Connecticut home, but it was cramped in a corner and not optimum. Our second Connecticut home, with it’s proximity to the beach, was the perfect place for a large outdoor shower. With only one full bath, it gets plenty of use all summer long!

When we renovated our back yard at The Little Glass House in Santa Barbara, my husband wanted a hot tub and I wanted an outdoor shower. It was the perfect combination. Since we have a private back yard, the decision was made to have this truly plein air with no walls or surround. An ipe wood deck and covered post makes it feel simple, modern, and organic.

At our Big Sur home, there are two full baths but only one shower. Nothing compares to showering outside in Big Sur! And this time, it’s a shower with a view!

A walk down a citrus tree and lavender path on stones planted with creeping thyme between them, is a joy for the senses. And then there is the view…

It doesn’t get much better than that!