Shower/tub combo with a tiled apron

We would like to install a shower/tub combo in our master bathroom. Ideally, we would like to use a cast iron tub with a tiled tub apron. We will be mostly using it as a shower tub though.

Our understanding is that we would need to get a tub with a flange and without an apron to accomplish this. Is this correct?

We were initially considering the Kohler Villager, but from the various comments on this list, it seems the apron cannot be tiled for that particular tub -- at least not easily. Is this correct?

Would you have any other recommendations? In case, there is no reasonably priced (< $1,000) cast iron tub that would work as a shower/tub combo with a tiled apron, are there any others (Americast, acrylic, etc.) that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Normally, when you go with a tiled apron, you use a "drop in tub" which is smaller than the recess, so you have tile around its perimeter and apron. There would be many problems trying to install a "recess" tub, then building a tiled apron for the front of it, and trying to keep it water tight.

Many drop-in tubs can be purchased with an add-on tiling flange kit. How well that works is mostly a workmanship issue. Your actual tub area may end up smaller, since these tend to have a wider lip than one designed for an alcove.

"Tile flange" kits are to use where the tub is against the wall, NOT to make a tiled apron.

True, but if it can't be purchased with a tile flange, then you need one. Many of the drop-ins also have a removeable (sometimes optional) apron that you can then fabricate a panel that can be tiled. A tub designed for an alcove ususally has an apron built-in, a drop-in typically doesn't.