“It is not uncommon to find old, genuine antique, cast-iron baths being used as herb gardens, drinking troughs or a dumping ground”, says Embury, “But it's so sad to see them discarded.”

Be prepared to wait for four weeks for a stunning restoration. After being checked for fractures and cracks, the cast–iron bath is shot blasted and a rust-proofing primer is applied to the entirety of the bath. Sealers & fillers are applied before several coats of synthetic porcelain and final baking & polishing complete the process.

So how do you spot a rare one?
Embury says, length, depth, and unusual features (such as two drain holes & raised markings) are things to look for.

“Usually, the thicker the cast, the older the bath, “says Embury. “Look for an evenly rounded, thick bath lip, unusual bath feet or shapes or a year of manufacture.

For example, a coffin bath is wider at the shoulder end and tapers down to the feet end of the bath. We are resurfacing a bath which was made around 1770. We know this because the only feet which fit the bath belonged to a bath which came over on the First Fleet!”

If the only thing at the bottom of your garden is the back fence consider ordering a restored antique bath. Now all you need are bubbles.

Boutique Baths 9428 1848
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Sydney Morning Herald