Travis Kelce Joins the Underground Luxe Craze: Here’s Why “Iceberg Houses” Are Making Waves with Homeowners Everywhere
**Travis Kelce**—NFL superstar and the famous half of one of America’s most-watched celebrity couples—is diving into an intriguing architectural trend that’s catching fire among the wealthy: the “iceberg house.”
**What’s an iceberg house, you ask?** It’s a property where the real luxury lies beneath the surface, as homeowners build down instead of up.
**The appeal**? The opulence is hidden, understated—at least on the outside.
**Kelce’s latest project** involves a massive basement expansion under his new $6 million Leawood, Kansas, mansion, featuring his personal golf simulator and a luxe man cave.
**And he’s not alone.** From London to Los Angeles, affluent homeowners are moving their lavish dreams below ground, where they can construct huge spaces filled with all the amenities of an upscale resort.
**“In a world where everyone wants to show off,”** explains Justin M. Riordan of Spade and Archer Design Agency, “iceberg houses allow a subtle exterior while hiding incredible spaces below.”
**What’s really down there?** Picture private pools, exclusive spas, wellness centers—even doomsday bunkers and wine cellars.
**According to real estate insiders,** iceberg homes are a high-end real estate flex for those who want the best without being too obvious about it.
**And it’s not just Kelce or a few Hollywood elites.** The trend is reshaping real estate in major U.S. cities and posh suburbs across the Atlantic.
The Beginnings of a Subterranean Obsession
**The iceberg house trend began** in London over a decade ago, where property values and limited space sparked the rise of multi-story basements.
**Between 2008 and 2017,** London saw more than 4,600 basements granted planning permission.
**From fitness rooms to swimming pools,** the London underground was transformed into a hub of extravagance. Almost 1,000 gyms, 376 pools, 456 cinemas, and even artificial beaches were built.
**But the trend has more layers than just luxury.** Many buyers see these hidden rooms as a savvy investment, capitalizing on unused space while keeping the neighborhood’s look unchanged.
**For homeowners in cities like New York and Los Angeles,** this design solution answers the call for more space without expanding outwards, which is critical as available land dwindles.
**And with Kelce on board,** this trend only seems to be accelerating stateside.
The Allure and Expense of Going Underground
**It’s not just about having an extra room.** Iceberg houses symbolize a new lifestyle—one where wealth whispers rather than shouts.
**Ron Myers, a luxury real estate investor, explains,** “It’s maximizing investment, not just by expanding, but by creating a place that’s both hidden and lavish.”
**For many in competitive markets,** a finished basement makes a home stand out, adding perceived value.
**But it’s a costly project,** especially in places like Los Angeles, where developers peg some basement costs over $1 million.
**In upscale communities like East Hampton, NY,** regulations are being proposed to address these sprawling basements that add amenities but not square footage to official property records.
**Councilwoman Cate Rogers says,** “It’s time to start counting these rooms in the home’s official square footage.”
**Whether it’s fair or not,** underground additions are changing the game for buyers and regulators alike.
It’s Not All Smooth Digging Down There
**Creating an iceberg house isn’t without pitfalls.** Going underground requires careful construction, or else the project can literally crumble.
**In one infamous case in London,** a $6 million mansion collapsed during a basement expansion.
**And there are other risks,** too. Flooding, mold, and ventilation issues can easily turn a dream basement into a nightmare.
**Scott Waters, a real estate agent in Virginia, says,** “Proper insulation and ventilation are essential if you want these spaces to be livable.”
**To prevent flooding,** a sump pump is a must, especially in places like Florida, where basements can quickly turn into swampy habitats.
And then there’s the environmental toll. Building deep means more concrete, which ups the carbon footprint, contributing to climate change concerns.
**Yet for many buyers,** these downsides are part of the territory when creating an ultra-private retreat.
Making an Underground Oasis Shine
**Designing a basement is no small feat.** From low ceilings to limited natural light, these spaces pose unique challenges.
**Interior designer Susann Goerg suggests,** “Using high-gloss finishes and layered lighting can brighten up an underground space.”
**Greenery also helps,** and adding vertical gardens or potted plants can make a basement feel less like a bunker and more like an inviting escape.
**With a little creative lighting and some greenery,** even a below-ground room can feel airy and open.
Iceberg Houses That Made Waves
**The Las Vegas “Underground House”** is a perfect example of this trend taken to the extreme.
**Hidden beneath an average two-story home,** this 14,000-square-foot oasis features pools, waterfalls, and a putting green.
**In Aspen, Colorado,** designer Sterling McDavid crafted a stunning 4,000-square-foot basement gym, spa, and guest suite for her parents’ mountain home.
**And in Washington, D.C.,** a luxury “iceberg house” shocked the real estate scene with its two above-ground levels and two below, including a 3,000-square-foot blank slate.
**The options for these spaces are endless,** and for homeowners like Kelce, it’s all about personalizing the ultimate getaway.
Why People Love Iceberg Homes (and Why Some Don’t)
**The mystique of iceberg houses** is that they allow owners to create a sanctuary where they can unwind, away from prying eyes.
**For some buyers,** it’s the functionality, the added space, and even the income potential when basements are rented out.
**Ron Myers notes,** “People light up when they realize they can use that extra space for rentals or other multi-purpose rooms.”
**But for others,** the underground living feels dark, or even unsettling.
**Basements can be musty,** and if they aren’t well-ventilated, they’ll carry that stigma of dampness.
**Ultimately, it’s a trend with appeal—and risk—woven into its very foundation.**
**For Kelce and others,** iceberg homes are redefining luxury living, inviting them to build an expansive world, one step below the surface.