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White Cottage’s ‘Glass Bathhouse’ project –features a bespoke, three-quarter span Edwardian Greenhouse in Reed Green

A unique home extension on the coast of Wales, which sees a White Cottage Greenhouse used to house a glamorous bathroom. The client wanted to create a completely unique, and romantic en-suite bathroom which still allowed uninterrupted countryside and sea views.

A glass box, essentially, that would take full advantage of the spectacular headland the property is situated on. White Cottage’s solution was a striking and elegant addition to the front elevation of this period home which dates back to the 1850’s.

The owners’ idiosyncratic approach to the renovations of their home pay homage to its period foundations but with a dramatic contemporary eye. The glasshouse, with its Edwardian proportions adds plenty of additional character and sits comfortably alongside the main house. With its teal, gloss parquet floor files, chandeliers, bronze roll-top bath and large decorative vases and sheepskin rugs, this is an utterly personal high-end sanctuary which is visually stunning and unlike anything else in the UK.

Q&A between Tori Tomlin, Director of White Cottage Greenhouses, and client Sean Mathias about the project

Where did the inspiration come from for this project?

“My partner Paul. There was a flat roof off my existing bathroom and he suggested building a room onto it.”

Can you describe your vision? What were the most important elements to get right for you?

“I wanted a glass box and not a solid room. And then I realised a greenhouse could be glorious.”

Did you work with, or have input from, an interior designer at all?

“As soon as I found White Cottage online, I didn’t need anyone else.”

 Tell us what it’s like to use the space

“It’s romantic.”

How does it connect with the rest of your home?

“As an Edwardian greenhouse it fits with the 1850’s house as a unit that was added on after the house was built.”

How does it connect with the surrounding landscape?

“The sage green of the framework compliments the garden, and the glass allows views all around to the sea and beyond.”

What is in the space besides the bath?:

Teal, gloss parquet floor tiles, large decorative vases and sculptures overflowing with flowers (including bougainvillea), chandeliers, a vintage apothecary-style cabinet, sheepskin rugs, mid-century style furniture, bronze roll-top bath.

Tori Tomlin, Director of White Cottage Greenhouses, on the project:

Tori Tomlin said; “We were initially a little surprised when we saw the intention was to put a greenhouse on a first-floor roof. Especially seeing as the property appeared to have a generous garden on all sides, but with these fantastic sea views, we thought they must really want to make the most of that! But then we learnt it would be the most fabulous en-suite bathroom, and we knew we were going to be part of a very special project.”

“We worked directly with Sean to bring his vision to life. The greenhouse uses our Edwardian specification which combines authentic period features with a simple, elegant aesthetic and blends perfectly with Sean’s approach to the renovations of his 1850’s home. He chose to paint the greenhouse in Reed Green to sit comfortably against the wind-swept Welsh coastline, whilst inside copper, jade, cobalt earthenware and bougainvillea create an indulgent Mediterranean feel and the stunning chandeliers and falling rose petals make it a truly romantic space.”

“We’ve been extolling the virtues of the greenhouse as a versatile growing/ entertaining and lifestyle space, and as an extension of the home, since we started the business 45 years ago. In fact, I’m sure it was our parent’s views on this matter that helped persuade them other people would be interested in spending more on a beautiful, quality greenhouse that would be an attractive feature in the garden, as well as being a delightful place to spend time

“We have experienced an increase in today’s homeowners enquiring about using a greenhouse as a multifunctional space – they certainly understand the appeal of blending their home and garden, and a greenhouse is the perfect way to do this. A beautiful space, filled with natural light and surrounded by thriving, homegrown produce, easily becomes a comfortable spot from which to entertain amongst the bounties of your labours. Allowing for a larger structure, which also accommodates dining and seating areas, was central to our launch of The Egerton Victorian greenhouse earlier this year. The first, luxury Victorian “off the peg” greenhouse in our range, The Egerton offers a greater sense of space allowing a little more room for entertaining.

Choosing a greenhouse for entertaining

“When considering a greenhouse as a multi-purpose space, a larger structure obviously gives you more scope to include furniture, but other things to think about include the footprint of your greenhouse – typically a greenhouse is rectangular with a door at the end, but combining squarer proportions with the door positioned in the side (such as our Croft) can work better. If you are able to incorporate a partition in your greenhouse you can create different growing environments, (frost-free or temperate, for example) but you can also have one area devoted to human comfort – allowing yourselves a little heat on a chilly evening perhaps or keeping humidity levels down so soft furnishing don’t become musty.

Dining-in and dressing a greenhouse for entertaining

“If you plan to serve meals in a greenhouse, a lean-to adjacent to your kitchen can also simplify logistics. Eating what you have grown means you can measure your food miles in millimetres and enjoy freshness no supermarket, artisan deli or farm shop can compete with. 

“When dressing your greenhouse for lifestyle use, it’s important to remember that it is a growing environment and anything you put in it will be exposed to a great deal more light, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and nature at large, than anything in your home. A greenhouse is also single glazed so you will have condensation inside at certain times of the day, and sunlight and moisture can wreak havoc on fabrics and wood, so think about these factors when choosing furniture and other decorative elements. A table and chairs designed for outdoor use will be far more resilient and perhaps store cushions out of the sunlight and protected from any unwanted guests.

“Think about lighting. If the greenhouse isn’t immediately accessible from your home, having the route to it lit is helpful, as well as helping to create a magical world for your guests. Inside the greenhouse, candles and lanterns are atmospheric, but if you have power available, electric lights make life easier and you can control them from your phone too.”

For more details and to explore White Cottage Greenhouses’ full range of handcrafted period greenhouses, visit https://www.whitecottage.co.uk