How Sanctuary Bathrooms helped deliver a classic bathroom transformation

When interior design consultant Kristine Hall decided to renovate the bathroom in her 16th-Century Suffolk farmhouse, she turned to Sanctuary Bathrooms to source the products – we find out how the project went.

When it came to the design of their bathroom, Kristine Hall and her husband Dan wanted the project in their period home just outside Stowmarket to be sensitive to the rural surroundings and local area, whilst remaining timeless enough so that any future changes can be minimal.

“Our house is in such a lovely, agricultural setting, that it felt important to be guided by it," says Kristine. “I knew from the start that I wanted classic tongue-and-groove panelling, a clawfoot tub, and the warmth of wood from a vintage chest of drawers-turned vanity unit.

“I have kept the more permanent features – like tiles – neutral and pared back. If I want to change things up in a few years, a tin of paint and new accessories will be all that’s required to update the space. I hoped the bathroom would be all the things we love about our property – it’s peaceful, calm, and quietly beautiful.”

To meet the requirements of this brief, Sanctuary Bathrooms supplied many key elements; most crucially, the stunning clawfoot period-style freestanding tub, which serves as an eye-catching focal point that honours the building's historical charm. Complementing this, the company also supplied coordinating brassware and a toilet to complete the look.

These fixtures all worked alongside other items sourced from a mixture of Facebook Marketplace, specially sourced items, and family heirlooms, one of which was the cat crewel embroidery added as a visual wall element.

Initially, there were many issues that needed fixing with the space, from run-down and dilapidated structural elements to simply tired and worn features. “The existing shower room was dark and cramped with awkward boxing-in of pipework, and the boiler ran on propane tanks stored in the garage. It was badly in need of a complete overhaul,” says Kristine.

Recognising that a clawfoot bath was a must-have became a key starting point in the design process. The chosen option was the Burlington Hampton Freestanding Shower Bath in a 1700mm length. This bathtub offers a generous amount of space to sink back into, can be painted in a range of colours for personalisation, and presents numerous feet options.

Kristine opted for a standard, plain white bath; as a DIY enthusiast and designer, she wanted the challenge of painting the bath herself. She also opted for a right-handed option with a traditional leg set in black as a beautiful, accented touch. The traditional leg set combines the clawfoot design with lots of intricate, ornate detailing. Accompanying the bathtub was a Burlington Gold Exposed Bath Overflow, complete with plug and chain, featuring white ceramic detailing and traditional decorative touches for filling and emptying the bath.

Kristine also wanted key brassware to pair with various items in the space. The choice of unlacquered brass options offers a rustic touch that is not only sensitive to the time period of the bathroom and home as a whole but also beautifully enhances the similarly toned elements throughout the room. The unlacquered finish is also designed to change colour over time due to touch, offering a natural ageing look to the pieces.

For the basin, a 2-hole wall-mounted basin tap was chosen from the Crosswater MPRO Industrial range, combining a lever-handle for temperature and flow operation with a matching designed spout.

“I’m so pleased with the end result. The new vaulted ceiling and Velux rooflight create a really airy feel, and underfloor heating powered by solar panels on the roof is cosy, efficient and environmentally friendly. I absolutely love the Crosswater Belgravia exposed shower – pure luxury. 

“The Burlington Hampton shower bath is brilliant too. It’s a great space-saving choice as it fits flush to the wall on 2 sides for use with a shower above but still gives you that classic freestanding bath look. I painted mine in an inky blue exterior eggshell to add some drama to the space.”