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FL star Travis Kelce is reportedly building a luxurious man cave beneath his $6 million mansion in Leawood, Kansas. This underground retreat will feature a golf simulator and is part of a growing trend among homeowners who are opting to build down instead of up.
Known as "iceberg homes," these structures have a modest exterior while concealing lavish interiors below ground. According to Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency, iceberg homes reflect a modern understanding that true wealth is about the quality of life inside, not how much is on display.
These subterranean spaces often feature swimming pools, wellness centers, doomsday bunkers, or champagne rooms. Luxury developers estimate that iceberg projects in Los Angeles may cost over $1 million, according to Fortune.
However, not everyone is a fan of this trend. East Hampton, New York councilwoman Cate Rogers wants more regulations around basement renovations, citing concerns about the space not being calculated in a home's square footage.
Iceberg homes have been popular across the Atlantic in London for over a decade, with over 4,600 basements granted planning permission between 2008 and 2017. In the US, basements are gaining popularity in many parts of the country, including Atlanta and Phoenix, where they can be a huge selling point.
But iceberg homes don't come without their own set of headaches and risks. Underground construction can be complicated and costly, and the square footage of a finished basement may not always add to your home's overall value. Research also shows that building basements adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and increases carbon footprints.
Designing and decorating below-ground spaces presents unique challenges, according to interior designer Susann Goerg. Using reflective surfaces and layered lighting can help enhance light distribution throughout the space, while bringing in greenery can add a sense of life and connection to nature.
Some examples of iceberg homes include a 14,000-square-foot subterranean home in Las Vegas with two bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a pool; a 4,000-square-foot basement in Aspen with a high-end gym and luxury spa; and a 7,200-square-foot iceberg home in Washington, DC with two floors above ground and two below.
