SPATHROOMS

Whether it’s a portmanteau that fills you with dread or delight, we daresay there are few among us that actually disagree with what a ‘spathroom’ represents. A spot for mindfulness, meditation or just more high-quality me-time, if you’re no longer keen on sharing steam with others while mingling at hotels, health clubs and retreats, upgrading to one of these could be a decent investment.

Now, more than ever, we want a bathroom that can be our own personal sanctuary, agree the folks at Mandarin Stone. “If luxury hotel bathrooms and spas are but a distant memory, now’s the time to create your very own. From impressive large-format marble effects to retrostyle terrazzo, allow yourself to indulge with no limitations. Using tiles like this will create the perfect ambience to the bathroom. The bathroom is also the perfect place to experiment with colour, pattern and texture. It’s all about creating a space with personality and individuality.”

Ursell Pools have created some great one and two-person saunas and steam rooms that have fitted into some tight spaces to wonderful effect. The seasoned spathroom experts take projects from design to completion with their in-house designers, makers and builders, and fully equipped workshop where they build spa products such as small plunge pools and ‘experience’ showers. “Currently many people are focusing on developing and improving their homes as well as focusing on their health and wellbeing,” they say. “Creating the perfect home spa is a wise investment for both home and wellness.”

Long gone are the days when a bathroom was simply a utilitarian space, one of function rather than enjoyment, says interior designer John Law. “Today the bathroom offers, in its place, more of a space for self-care and relaxation. During and following lockdown, as we navigate such uncertain times, this value of such a retreat has undoubtedly gained greater appreciation.

“In creating such a sanctuary within our own home, cues and inspiration might very well be taken from luxury spas, perhaps of Bristol’s best-known retreats, or indeed from spas further afield. Key elements such as materials, soothing colour tones and finishes for instance. A spa doesn’t necessarily have to look zen however, unless you want it to, of course.

Whatever you are drawn to –and there’s a look for every taste, ranging from the rustic to the uber-glam –a spa environment is almost universally restful and calm. Many design elements combine to achieve this, but my top ten tips would be:

Introduce calming and relaxing colours and materials. Spas often incorporate natural materials such as timber, stone and marble, helping us reconnect with the natural and creating a sense of calm. This can easily be applied to a home spa by adding marble tiles to the walls, or a vanity in a natural material.

The addition of large plants to a bathroom scheme, or several smaller plants in wall-mounted containers or on shelves. This can instantly make a space feel more relaxing.

By all means, go all out on the self-care treatments but keep the space as clutter-free as possible. This might mean investing in clever storage; a bespoke vanity that can be adapted to accommodate your individual requirements, or a shallow drawer perhaps for cosmetics. Equally, refillable dispensers can make the bathroom look more stylish and allow you to reduce waste at the same time.

When selecting a shower head, scale up. This will ensure your day-today experience feels more decadent. Whether you have the budget for a rain shower or not, the addition of a wider fixed shower head can make all the difference to your daily showering routine.

Consider incorporating demisters on mirrors and underfloor heating to ensure the room is warm and cosy, even on the coldest nights. Dual fuel radiators also enable you to dry towels in summer.

Woodhouse & Law’s Combe Park project

Ursell Pools make spathroom products, including ‘experience’ showers, in their workshop

Plants are great in spathrooms such as this gorgeous one from Mandarin Stone, soaking up excess water in a damp environment

We are used to seeing large kitchen extensions with luxurious marbled worktops. Now this trend is seeping into our bathrooms

Home sauna installation can be completed in a day

6. Take it easy with the tiles Don’t be tempted to tile every surface. Paint walls and introduce wallpaper to individualise the space and add artwork (appropriately framed) to create interest and make the space more atmospheric and individual. Pieces conducive to rest and relaxation work best here.

Set out to design a room you really wish to spend time in. For example, in place of standard bathroom furniture, do you have an antique chest you could adapt for a washbasin, or an old stool that could sit by the bath for your reading book or glass of wine? If you have space, consider adding a chair, chaise or sofa to the room; somewhere you can relax while you draw a bath. decadent. This could come from the fronds of a fern, a rug on the floor or thick, fluffy towels. A spa is all about being pampered, which involves a sensory experience. Light a candle infused with relaxing scents and include space for bath oils, loofahs and a bath pillow.

Invest in good lighting. This is key to creating a spa environment within the home; add, for instance, additional circuits on dimmers so you can control the level of light. Always introduce lighting within niches and at low level so that you can quickly create a softer ambience.

If you have the space, try incorporating your bathroom into the bedroom to create a suite. The WC can always be separated off, while the bathtub and shower become decorative features. We have recently designed two spa bathrooms with a wet and dry space, separated by a large glass wall. The shower and bathtub sit side by side in a wet room environment. On a practical level, this makes the bathroom warm, inviting and easy to maintain. But it also adds a sense of decadence as you step into a large glass enclosure to bathe.

One of Bristol’s leading bathroom designers, Paul Whittaker, urges those creating a spathroom to think of the practicalites as well as the aesthetics, and how these combine. “Spathrooms must smell nice all the time so it’s important you create a design that is easy to keep clean,” he says. “That means no unslightly pipework on view and no dust traps between products. Look at products such as wall-hung toilets and basins. It makes life so much easier to keep your bathroom clean and smelling like a five-star spa.

“If you don’t have room for a large freestanding bath, don’t panic: you can convert any standard size bath into a jacuzzi. Many of the leading bath manufacturers offer this option, but if doing this is beyond your budget, then a simple bath headrest is a great, inexpensive relaxing addition.”

If you have room for a shower in your bathroom, Paul recommends considering a tiled wetroom tray rather than a standard stone resin tray. “Not only do they offer better long-term reliability, you can enjoy the luxury of having underfloor heating in the shower area. If your shower area is longer than 1400mm in length, it may be worth investing in a tiled bench or seat. After a gym session or long-distance cycle, it’s a great feature to be able to relax and sit down in your shower area and rest/stretch those tired muscles.

“Within the shower, think about a large shower head recessed into the ceiling, body jets and a hand-held shower that you can hold and blast at the back of your neck and other pressure points in the body to relieve stress and tension. If you are thinking of going down this route, please do check with your installer that you have the necessary water pressure for these outlets to perform at their full potential.

“Finally a good spathroom design will always incorporate useful areas for you to accessorise your space and put candles, perfumes and plants on display. Recesses, niches and shelving should always be included in the design stage. Plants are, by far, the best accessory to put in any bathroom as they soak up excess water in a damp environment and balance space.”

“We are used to seeing images of large kitchen extensions with luxurious marbled worktops laid over beautiful bespoke cabinetry and posh-looking brass taps,” say Dave Collins and Carine Butcher at Gardiner Haskins Bristol. “Now this trend is seeping into our bathrooms. We are longing for the luxury spa features without the price tags, that will also fit into our bathroom space and provide some relaxing glamour. For some, this means a bath tub complete with shiny brass taps and brass accessories. Others may prefer to substitute their bath for a large shower reminding you of holidays far away. Add plenty of plants to the mix inside or create your own living wall outside as your window view, to create a more tropical vibe and that feeling of being on holiday.

“Glossy bathroom cabinetry and Corian worktops are versatile and an exciting addition to your spathroom. They come in a variety of colours and textures designed to suit your interior. Furthermore, shower trays are not just white anymore. The Doccia shower tray is

Vanity Hall collections’ Corian cabinetry in patterned grey onyx, from Gardiner Haskins

The Doccia shower tray and wall panel

made of a textured stone composite material available in a multitude of colours. At Gardiner Haskins we have a pink shower tray with matching wall panelling allowing a degree of symmetry to bathroom designs and, of course, it looks fabulously indulgent, though we know pink is not for everyone so you can choose your own colour.

“And how about a wet room with a heated seating enclosure and a wet-room tray hidden under the tiles complete with an integrated thermostatic shower head?”

“It’s all about choosing the right sanitary ware, carefully planned multifunctional lighting, using natural materials and adding relaxing aromas and luxurious accessories,” says West Country interior designer Clair Strong. “To give your bathroom a unique spa-like feel, choose one feature that gives it a standout designer look; a rolltop bath, marble tiles, designer mirrors and his-and-her sinks will create a glamorous look. If you have a big enough room, start with a freestanding rolltop bath with double ends so you can really lie back and relax. Splash out and choose one with an in-built jacuzzi for the total spa experience. If you have the space, think about installing a sauna. Installing a prefabricated indoor sauna is pretty straightforward nowadays and it can be completed in a day. In smaller bathrooms, a walk-in shower or wetroom with an oversized rainfall showerhead is a stylish alternative. Look for a shower head that has multiple settings, including a massage head.

“Natural materials and earthy tones are essential to create a zen-like feeling in your bathroom. Choose white sanitary ware and muted shades of green, grey and brown and then add tiles. These bring colour, pattern, texture, a natural look or even a bit of glamour. Natural stone has character, marble looks opulent, and ceramic and porcelain tiles give a minimalist contemporary look.

“Your choice of lighting is very important. Think about how you will use the bathroom at different times of day. You want it bright and functional in the morning but you want to be able to relax in the evenings. The trick is to use multiple layers of light from a variety of sources. Direct lights above the key areas, layered with task lighting around bathroom mirrors for close-up activities, like putting on makeup or shaving, will give you options. Install a dimmer switch for mood lighting. You’ll instantly create the perfect ambience for late-night pamper sessions.

“It’s all about the right accessories, too. Think designer mirrors, greenery and immaculate white towels resting on a wooden stool. Mirrors come in so many different shapes and sizes and make a real statement. Round mirrors are very on trend, rectangular mirrors are timeless and oval mirrors elegant. For a really cool designer look, go for two round mirrors hanging by a chain or strap, over a pair of hisand-hers sinks. Think of mirrors in bathrooms as design elements that expand the room visually and add light to the room.

“Clever storage solutions are key to a tidy, uncluttered, spa-like bathroom. Keep your essentials at hand and everything else neatly tucked away. Give everything –makeup, cleaning products, bath linens –a home. Try using clear glass jars, wicker baskets and designer soaps and lotion in chic glass pumps.

“Look for natural wood cabinets, towel ladders and stools. Fluffy white towels are often associated with spas or boutique hotels and work with any scheme. They are classic, timeless and easy to replace. If you want to add colour, soft blues and greens are calming and dark grey towels look sophisticated and chic. A towel-warmer is essential for the luxury of toasty towels to wrap up in anytime.

“House plants create a healthy, tranquil environment and one big designer plant by the bath or a group of hanging plants will add an exotic touch. Finally, aromatherapy. Essential oils, scented soap and candles set the mood: choose scents like lavender, lemon or jasmine to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.” n

Some like it steamy: so how about installing your own steam room?

As lockdown eased and retailers were given the go ahead to open, Park Furnishers, the familyowned furniture retailer had more reasons than most to be delighted to see the day arrive. Having waited patiently, the company, which has successfully celebrated over 50 years as a much loved independent Bristol based retailer, had recently moved to its new home, located at the city’s Eastgate Retail Park near Ikea.

The team had been busy preparing the new store, located in the old Mothercare unit, behind the scenes. The new store allows a range of different looks to be displayed in beautiful room sets providing plenty of ideas for customers considering a room refresh.

Offering an unrivalled range of quality furniture and furnishings presented in an inspirational setting, the new store showcases furniture from the best brands including sofas, chairs, beds, and dining furniture. The store also features a flooring studio and is beautifully propped with lovely accessories, lights, pictures and mirrors so even if you are not looking to make a big purchase just yet, there are lots of beautiful products to help customers update their look.

For those looking to update the hub of their home the store features impressive fitted kitchen and Hammonds fitted bedroom studios with the latest innovations from the best brands on display. Expert designers are also on hand to provide advice and with a wealth of experience, they can ensure that customers choose the right solution to suit their home and lifestyle.

For further information about the new store or to book a free kitchen design or flooring appointment visit the Park Furnishers website. ■

This is a sumptuous and beautifully presented garden flat, arranged over the lower ground floor of a stunning Grade II Listed townhouse, built in the Italianate villa style with the added benefit of off-street parking, private entrance and superb rear garden. Lovingly restored and beautifully maintained by the current owner, the accommodation is spacious and occupies the lower ground floor. Steps lead down from the cobbled front parking space to an entrance hall and inner hall which leads to a beautiful and well equiped kitchen and open-plan dining room at the rear of the property. From here, there is access (as well as from the entrance hall) to a delighful sitting room, with high ceilings and original features is filled with light from the rear garden. Double doors lead to the main bedroom, which can also be accessed via the inner hall, it’s a wonderfully proportioned room and has French doors leading out to the front terrace. In addition, there are two further bedrooms, with a particularly spacious second bedroom which offers a huge degree of versatility and makes a perfect work-from-home office space - still with plenty of room for a king size sofa bed. The bathroom is well-appointed with beautiful fittings. To the side of the property (which can be accessed independently from the front and rear), is a storage wing, with vaulted ceilings it has a variety of rooms as well as a utility room and separate WC. Outside, the rear garden has been beautifully landscaped with thought given to space to sit, dine, relax and entertain.

• Beautifully presented period apartment • Highly sought-after location • 3 Bedrooms • Off-street parking, private entrance • Vaulted storage wing • Private rear garden

INVESTMENT FOR SALE

• St Stephen St BS1 • Office 1,293 sq ft • Office 440 sq ft • Nightclub 2,000 sq ft • ERV £48,000 pax • C £525,000

25/27 CLARE STREET BS1

• Landmark office building • 2,651 sq ft • Prime city location • New lease – rent on application

8/10 WHITELADIES ROAD

PRIME RESTAURANT, BS1

• Prime city location between Hippodrome Theatre and Bristol Beacon concert venue • Sunny side of town • 2,500 sq ft • Sensible rent

CITY CENTRE OFFICE

• Queen Charlotte Street • 1,808 sq ft • 2 car spaces • New refurbishment • Only £17 per sq ft HIGH QUALITY GREAT VALUE OFFICES – VERONA HOUSE BS16

• 3,800 sq ft – VG parking • Air con, raised floors, DDA compliant, manned reception & bike stores • Only £12.50 per sq ft

MONARCH COURT, EMERSONS GREEN

• Open plan,over two floors • 3,110 sq ft with an excellent amount of car parking • £17.50 per sq ft

WATERFRONT OFFICE SUITES

• Penthouse 1,800 sq ft • First Floor 2,375 sq ft • 7 car spaces total • Stunning views

VANTAGE PK OFFICES NORTH BRISTOL

• Prime out of town offices • 1,950 sq ft – 7 car spaces • Close to M-way • New lease – rent on application

7 QUEEN SQUARE, BS1

• Prime office space • Whole office building 2,898 sq ft • Or suites of 913 sq ft, 1,067 sq ft, 1,618 sq ft

• Sales / Lettings • Rent reviews • Acquisitions • Property Management • Valuations • Investment Sales / Purchase • Landlord & tenant • Development & Planning • Auction Sales • Dilapidations Advice

• Lock up shop + suit coffee bar • Sunny location – pos outside area • Established and busy position • Rent £17,000 pax – new lease

HIGH STREET SHIREHAMPTON

• Fantastic large retail / showroom unit • Established high street pitch • 4,105 sq ft + customer parking

58A UNION ST, BROADMEAD

REFURBISHED OFFICES (OFF WHITELADIES ROAD)

• A most attractive period office building • C 1,200 sq ft • Contemporary refurb • New lease – rent on application

BRIDGEWATER ROAD (‘AIRPORT ROAD’), BRISTOL

• Former coach depot, garage, office, storage + yard • C 11,455 sq ft. • Suit other commercial uses – to let (might sell)

GROVE HOUSE, CLIFTON

• 2,793 sq ft • Office building • Suit other commercial uses • To let • Retail/showroom • 1st floor office separately available if required • Close to Bristol Airport yet 15 minutes from BS1 • New leases – low rent

92A WHITELADIES ROAD

*A converted Victorian end of terrace house comprising: • Offices 1,259 sq ft • Stores 291 sq ft • Open store 1,549 sq ft *Suit various commercial uses *TO RENT (MIGHT SELL)

BRADLEY STOKE OFFICES

• 1st floor high quality offices • On the popular Willow Brook Centre • 3,550 sq ft + parking • GREAT SPACE – TO LET

• Sales / Lettings • Rent reviews • Acquisitions • Property Management • Valuations • Investment Sales / Purchase • Landlord & tenant • Development & Planning • Auction Sales • Dilapidations Advice

Factory No.1 is located at the gateway to vibrant Bedminster. The Grade II listed buildings and grounds of the former tobacco factory are being transformed into stylish new and conversion apartments by award-winning restoration specialists City & Country.

The historic buildings are some of the most distinctive in Bristol and have a rich industrial past. Designed by Sir Frank Wills, the site is known for being the first factory of tobacco importers and manufacturers W.D & H.O Wills in 1886, hence the development name.

The apartments are designed with modern living in mind, boasting generous, flexible living spaces, premium interiors, private outdoor spaces, and ultra-fast broadband. Properties also benefit from secure underground parking, private gardens, and a concierge.

Twenty-seven-year-old Alex Winn skipped renting and bought his first home at Factory No.1 last year, thanks to Help To Buy. He says: “Factory No.1 caught my eye, as anything I’d seen of this quality before was much further out of Bristol. The finish of the homes is exceptional – the ceilings and large windows of my onebedroom flat make it feel so spacious. “The location is also a huge draw for me. My commute has dropped from over an hour by train or in the car to a short walk into Redcliffe. I’ve spent time around North Street and its amenities before, so being able to live so close to it is exciting and I can’t wait to explore further.” One- and two-bedroom apartments are now available, with some ready to move into. A new show home has recently been unveiled, offering a glimpse into life at the new development.

Apartments at Factory No.1 are priced from £278,000 and many are available with Help to Buy*. The Sales Suite is open for private appointments Thursday – Monday from 10am to 5pm. To arrange a private viewing, please call 01173 219 729, or visit

For several months Sheila and Peter Campbell watched the development of Redland Court from a distance. The lofty position of their large family home in the BS7 area provided the perfect vantage point to see just what was unfolding on this historic site. “We love living in this area, but once our children moved out, we found ourselves in a large house with so many unused rooms. Moving was something we’d talked about, but without making any firm plans. We knew very early on that Redland Court was going to be special and thought we’d go along to an open day in September 2020 just to see what was on offer. We loved it and reserved our beautiful apartment the next day! It was the quickest decision we ever made. I never thought I’d buy off plan, but the information provided and the quality of the finishes that we saw gave us confidence. We didn’t look anywhere else and as one of our neighbours said recently ‘opportunities like this don’t come along very often’ she was so right. ”

Sheila and her husband were the first people to move into Redland Court, buying a ground floor 2-bedroom apartment in the Science Building. This was also the development’s acclaimed first show apartment. “Now we are finally in and everything is just as we expected. The quality is amazing, nothing was too much trouble for Juniper Homes and even though the site isn’t completely finished, the building team are so polite, it’s really not a problem. Our surrounding terrace is much larger than we’d anticipated and we love sitting out watching the evening sun light up the beautiful stone of the Manor House – it feels like being on holiday in Italy”.

Sheila was also impressed by the attention to detail across the site; an old metal support on the end of their terrace has been expertly clad in stone, “it looks as if it has always been there” she said. “After so many years in a large Victorian house, we were concerned we’d feel cramped but absolutely not, this apartment feels so light and spacious. People step in to the living room and genuinely say WOW”.

An impressive 5-bedroom family home arranged over 3 floors. Versatile and generous interior finished to a very high standard throughout. Exceptional kitchen/breakfast room. Electric gates and set back front driveway, garden offering a great deal of privacy. Superb location. Viewing highly recommended.

A stunning two bedroom first and second floor masionette. Forming part of a beautiful church conversion with period features throughout, spectacular light filled vaulted living space. Allocated off street parking. Superb Redland location. No onward chain.

A period Grade II listed town house situated in the heart of Clifton Village. Versatile interior set over four floors. Areas of modernising required throughout. Roof terrace with roof top views. No onward chain.

Updated period family house in Cotham. Lounge/ dining area plus a separate modern kitchen Three generous double bedrooms, large quality bathroom with a claw foot bath and separate shower. Front garden and rear decked courtyard garden and a cellar room. No onward chain.