Craftsman's
project
Craftsman's
Master Ensuite in a Georgian Manor
Set within a listed Georgian property in Somerset, this master ensuite presented both scale and complexity.
Generous in size, the room lacked structure; fixtures were pushed to the perimeter, leaving the centre underused and the overall experience disjointed.
Set within a listed Georgian property in Somerset, this master ensuite presented both scale and complexity.
Generous in size, the room lacked structure; fixtures were pushed to the perimeter, leaving the centre underused and the overall experience disjointed.
the brief
The brief was to retain key elements, including a bath, double basins, and a generous shower, while fundamentally rethinking how the space functioned.
Alongside this, important architectural features such as the original fireplace, timber flooring, and dual doorways needed to be preserved and respected.
Collection
Craftsman's Collection
Property
Georgian Manor
Location
Bath, Somerset
the design
Rather than reinforcing the existing layout, the design draws the room inward.
A central partition wall introduces structure, repositioning the basins and dividing the space into clearly defined zones. This approach creates a more intuitive flow, allowing the room to unfold gradually while enhancing both privacy and usability.
Working within the constraints of a listed building required a careful and considered approach. Existing joists were retained and reinforced, and the original timber flooring was preserved throughout.
Finsihed space
Design approach
At the heart of the scheme is a bespoke double vanity, positioned against the central partition to act as a focal point within the room. This not only anchors the layout but also enhances the sense of symmetry and balance.
The shower enclosure was designed to offer privacy without an enclosure. A hand-crafted fluted glass screen diffuses light and softens visibility, carefully positioned in response to the client’s sightlines.
Throughout, the design favours openness and flow, allowing each element to feel connected, yet distinct.
Finsihed space
Overcoming design challenges
Where structural intervention was not possible, design solutions were used to resolve practical challenges, most notably within the shower, where a marble threshold and subtle step detail manage drainage while protecting the existing floor.
The result is a calm and cohesive space that balances heritage with modern living—where proportion, materiality, and movement have been carefully resolved.
The Result
The completed ensuite feels calm, layered, and intentional. Material and lighting choices create warmth and atmosphere.
What was once an oversized yet underutilised room has become a cohesive and elegant environment, one that respects the building’s heritage while introducing a contemporary sense of comfort and refinement.
Layout & Flow
A central partition wall reorganises the room, introducing clear zoning and improving the overall flow of the space.
The basins are repositioned onto the partition itself, while the bath and shower areas unfold more gradually beyond. This approach creates a greater sense of privacy and structure while making better use of the room’s scale.
Shower & Wet Area
The shower enclosure balances openness with privacy. A bespoke fluted glass screen softens visibility without enclosing the space, carefully positioned to respond to the client’s sightlines.
To preserve the original timber flooring and avoid cutting into the structure, the shower was resolved using a marble threshold and step detail. This manages drainage while subtly defining the shower zone.
Materials
A restrained palette allows texture and material to take precedence. Softly veined marble, fluted glass, and warm bronze finishes introduce depth and warmth without excess.
Marble was selected in person and carefully mapped across the vanity, shower seat, shelving, and threshold to ensure continuity throughout the space.
Matte finishes on the bath, and WC soften the overall aesthetic, creating a more refined alternative to traditional gloss surfaces.
Lighting
Lighting was carefully integrated due to limited opportunities for ceiling intervention within the listed structure.
Concealed LED strips within the partition wall provide soft uplighting, reflecting off the ceiling to create ambient illumination. Pendant lighting and illuminated alcoves introduce additional layers of warmth and functionality throughout the room.
Heritage & Restoration
The design carefully preserves and restores original architectural features. Existing joists and timber flooring were retained and reinforced where required, ensuring the building’s integrity was maintained.
The original fireplace, previously concealed, was restored and reinstated as a key feature within the room. A new tulipwood section replaces a damaged element, allowing the fireplace to sit comfortably within the redesigned space while preserving its historic character.
