“On the whole, I wish I’d stayed in Tunbridge Wells.” So says Mr Dryden in Lawrence of Arabia. And we at Catchpole & Rye wholeheartedly agree having become the newest member of Tunbridge Wells’ budding design hub. The recent opening of our showroom on Calverley Road marks the start of an exciting new chapter for us. Opened by the newly elected mayor, Councillor David Neve, the 3,500 square foot showroom – our largest to date – is set over two floors and showcases an exclusive collection of luxurious freestanding baths and bathroom products in both classic and contemporary finishes.
As well as the timeless products on display, Catchpole & Rye offers a full bathroom design service in-store. Our designers are on-hand into advise visitors on the vast range of bespoke options available – from an array of materials and finishes, to bespoke embossing that can be applied to personalise cast iron baths or cisterns. Our founder, Tony O’Donnell, can also often be found in the Tunbridge Wells showroom and can often a unique viewpoint on your project – after decades working in the bathroom industry, he is a fountain of knowledge.
After visiting the showroom, our team of specialists can then arrange on-site visits to bring inspiration and ensure your bathroom design entirely is tailored to your needs and space. This uncompromising attention to detail is something we pride ourselves on and we believe it truly sets us apart from our competitors. From the design process to the manufacture of the products themselves, we combine age-old techniques with innovation to create investment-worthy pieces that are will stand the test of time – both aesthetically and in terms of functionality.
This longevity – looking towards the future while being respectful to the designs and achievements of the past – is something that is hugely important to Catchpole & Rye and we feel that as a town, Tunbridge Wells is in itself reflective of this. Just an hour from London, the idyllic market town in our home county of Kent – The Garden of England – was granted the title of Royal Tunbridge Wells in 1909 by Edward VII. It has grown as a design destination in recent years, combining historic charm with a very modern buzz. This has attracted a number of brands that celebrate British heritage craftsmanship and quality, and we hope that our presence will cement the area’s status as a go-to destination for interiors sourcing.
To launch a calendar of local events, tonight we are holding a colour masterclass with renowned paint specialist and our new neighbour, Farrow & Ball. We’ll keep you updated regarding any future showroom events and we’d love to welcome you to our home in Royal Tunbridge Wells!