Room of the Week: Space and Stunning Views in a Luxe Victorian Bathroom
A spare bedroom was transformed to make a spacious family bathroom complete with classic fittings and a layout that capitalises on the views
Jo Simmons
25 May 2015
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
When your home contains more bedrooms than you need, it’s no hardship to sacrifice one for another purpose. That’s just what happened in this imposing Victorian home in Perthshire, Scotland. ‘It’s a double-fronted house and there were two bedrooms at the front, linked by a small bathroom,’ says Lee Collins of Kenneth Anderson Designs, who transformed the space.
Lee proposed converting one of the bedrooms into a luxurious bathroom and turning the existing small bathroom into a dressing room. Now the owners enjoy the generous dimensions of their new bathroom, and can contemplate its long views over the Scottish countryside from the warmth and comfort of a perfectly positioned bath!
Lee proposed converting one of the bedrooms into a luxurious bathroom and turning the existing small bathroom into a dressing room. Now the owners enjoy the generous dimensions of their new bathroom, and can contemplate its long views over the Scottish countryside from the warmth and comfort of a perfectly positioned bath!
Room at a Glance
Who lives here A family
Property A detached Victorian home
Size 4m x 4.5m
Location Perthshire, Scotland
Designer Lee Collins of Kenneth Anderson Designs
Converting a large bedroom meant there was plenty of space for installing luxurious details, such as this freestanding bath. ‘It’s made from cast iron that is hand-polished to produce that nice finish,’ says Lee. ‘We positioned it right in front of the window, so you can take a bath and admire the views.’ The shutters fold across for anyone keen on more privacy!
Who lives here A family
Property A detached Victorian home
Size 4m x 4.5m
Location Perthshire, Scotland
Designer Lee Collins of Kenneth Anderson Designs
Converting a large bedroom meant there was plenty of space for installing luxurious details, such as this freestanding bath. ‘It’s made from cast iron that is hand-polished to produce that nice finish,’ says Lee. ‘We positioned it right in front of the window, so you can take a bath and admire the views.’ The shutters fold across for anyone keen on more privacy!
Lee and his team zoned the bathroom by creating a raised area around two walls, tiled underfoot, which is home to the basins, shower and toilet. ‘It’s a big room, so that helps divide it up,’ Lee says, ‘and it also draws attention to the bath and its lovely position by the window.’
Grey metro tiles in the shower area tie in with the grey notes in the marble vanity unit alongside.
Take a look at 12 tile styles with modern appeal
Grey metro tiles in the shower area tie in with the grey notes in the marble vanity unit alongside.
Take a look at 12 tile styles with modern appeal
The owners opted for elegant, traditional sanitaryware for their new bathroom. ‘They wanted to keep the look and feel quite classic,’ says Lee. ‘They also specified a really big shower.’
Lee designed the mirrors. ‘They open up to reveal storage behind,’ he says.
Dalby shower, Drummonds.
Lee designed the mirrors. ‘They open up to reveal storage behind,’ he says.
Dalby shower, Drummonds.
The room was gutted and completely refitted. New antique oak flooring ‘zones’ the bathing area and introduces warm colour. ‘We also made all the panelling to match the original panelling beneath the windows,’ says Lee. ‘We then painted it grey to tie in with the marble around the basins.’
Brora high level cistern WC unit; Spey bath, both Drummonds.
Brora high level cistern WC unit; Spey bath, both Drummonds.
Space allowed for two basins in a double vanity unit, and the design Lee installed has luxurious marble surfaces. ‘It’s made from arabescato marble, which is cut by hand,’ says Lee. Taps with a nickel finish bring subtle sparkle.
Double Lowther marble vanity basin, Drummonds.
See why twin basins are twice as nice
Double Lowther marble vanity basin, Drummonds.
See why twin basins are twice as nice
A small bathroom originally sat in this space at the front of the house between two bedrooms. Now, one bedroom has been redesigned as the luxury bathroom and this area is home to bespoke storage. ‘We designed the wardrobes to look similar in style to the panelling in the bathroom beyond,’ says Lee. ‘It creates a connection and flow.’
This handsome Victorian home sits in acres of land, with no near neighbours. ‘It’s not at all overlooked,’ says Lee, ‘which is why we were able to install the bath right in front of the window.’
TELL US…
What do you like about this luxurious bathroom? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
TELL US…
What do you like about this luxurious bathroom? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Related Stories
House Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Room Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
Garden Tour: A Bare Roof Terrace Becomes a Pretty, Sociable Space
By Kate Burt
A retired couple got help transforming their large rooftop into a gorgeous, welcoming, multi-functional retreat
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Smart Layout and Genius Storage in a Victorian Home
Flipping the standard layout and carving out excellent storage have turned this tired house into a brilliant family home
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Victorian House Brought Impressively Up to Date
By Jo Simmons
A cohesive layout and warm colours combined with energy-efficiency measures thoroughly modernise this terraced home
Full Story
Kitchen Tours
Kitchen Tour: An Open, Airy Space Made for Entertaining
Combining two separate rooms has improved flow and created a sociable open-plan kitchen, dining and seating space
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A Family Home Inspired by its Seaside Location
Coastal colours and practical design combine to create a house that will adapt as the family grows
Full Story
Kitchens
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: An Airy, Scandi Finish for a Tall Victorian House
By Kate Burt
From a tricky inherited bath to a sticky-out staircase, on-site problem-solving led to a seamless update for an old home
Full Story
House Tours
Houzz Tour: A 17th Century Cottage Gains Warmth and Character
The clever use of colour and pattern has revived this old building while creating a 21st century family home
Full Story
I love this classic luxurious style. One day I won't be renting and will be able to apply it. I will have to say, as someone who is very clumsy I would probably end up breaking my ankle or toe with the raised sink/shower/toilet area. I love the look but the tiles seem like they would be incredibly slick when wet. Something with a big more texture would cut down the hazard. However, it does provide more room if that is a big family bath, so if you were bathing kids while someone else was getting ready then that would eliminate traffic problems. Does anyone know what species of wood the flooring is? It's rather pretty.
Well, as a fuddy-duddy with several hip surgeries behind her, I find the step-downs REALLY hazardous. sometimes beauty has to be tempered by practicality. And you don't have to be old to have an injury that requires walkers or crutches!
So luxurious!