Smarden House

Nestled in the heart of Kent, 18th-century Hall House was in need of a bathroom that would be sympathetic to the age and atmosphere of this grand property. The house has been added to over the centuries and has lots of nooks and crannies that are full of character, presenting the challenge of how to create a functional bathroom in quite a small space – without it feeling cramped, and without imposing on the period feel.

The answer was to complement the original features with demure and understated fittings. Polished nickel pipework was teamed with Catchpole & Rye’s Le Bateau Foix bath, and the shower was fitted over the tub to save space and stay true to the ethos of the room, with no need for incongruous tiles. The basin was fitted on top of a frame, which allows light through the space – and out to the hallway – again preventing the room from appearing cluttered.

Finally, the blue-grey colour scheme enhances the refined mood and contrasts beautifully with the original timber floors.

Pictured: Le Bateau Foix with English Wall Mounted Shower Mixer, The Empress Console Basin, English Basin Taps and The Deluce High Level Cistern Ensemble with Empress WC Pan.