I don't know of a standard placement, usually your plumbing placement dictates that unless you are moving the drain and supplies accordingly.

The house is a new build so we can put it wherever we want.

Have you looked at these photos? https://www.houzz.com/photos/claw-foot-bathtub-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~a_23-126

HI -- If you don't have a room that allows you to place the tub in the middle of the room -... I would think a couple of inches from the wall is enough room for cleaning and or painting or having tile on the wall. Place the tub then mark on the floor where you need the plumbing to be. Enjoy your tub .... I've had a couple in my life and I really enjoyed my baths ,- but the water never stayed very warm for very long - but they are so comfortable. I hope you can find the taps you will need and don't forget to get a chrome soap basket that hooks over the edge . Or you could use a bath caddy that hangs across the tub.

I agree with lefty47. A couple of inches should be all you need. We have a new acrylic footed tub in our lake house and that's about how far it is off the wall. We have a bath caddy that hangs across the tub and it always seems to get in the way. I'd go for the chrome soap basket that hooks over the edge or if you have room, a small corner free standing shelf unit.

I would go for just enough room to be able to clean in back of it! This link shows a claw foot directly under a window: http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2012/07/reflecting-light-for-better-photos-my-new-trick/

Leave room to get the vacuum hose and nozzle behind it occasionally or you'll have nastiness on the floor and wall.