Luxury Bathroom Remodel Within a Listed Oast House, Kent

A Spa-inspired En-suite Bathroom Conversion Around the Curved Architecture of an Oast House in Canterbury

The owners appointed us to deliver a bathroom remodel within the roundel of their listed oast house in Canterbury, converting a storage area into a premium bathroom suite.

Working with the historic circular structure and sloping ceiling of the roundel, we introduced rooflights and a carefully planned layout to enhance light and movement without compromising the fabric of the listed building.

Elizabeth Nixon Interiors delivered a spa-inspired bathroom that balances contemporary materials with sensitivity to the oast house's character and architectural language.

The Building

This listed oast house in Canterbury dates from the 18th century and retains its traditional roundel and conical roof form.

Internally, the roundel creates a circular footprint with sloping ceilings and exposed structural elements, making the upper space challenging to use for everyday living.

Its Grade II  listed status meant we had to plan any changes carefully.

The Brief: Creating a Spa-Inspired Bathroom Within the Oast Roundel 

The brief was to create a sophisticated contemporary bathroom within the upper level of the oast roundel. 

The owners’ vision was for a timeless, cohesive design using high-quality materials. They were looking for a generous walk-in shower, bespoke vanity, and integrated storage, while increasing natural light.

The design needed to respect the fabric of the listed building and sit comfortably within the character of the oast house, while delivering the comfort and functionality typical of a modern bathroom.

The Design: Working Within the Roundel

The curved walls and radial roof structure of the oast roundel informed every aspect of the layout. 

We organised the layout to fit modern bathroom elements that could fit naturally within the historic structure, creating a room that is easy to move through and well proportioned.

CLEAN AESTHETIC

Spatial Planning & Layout

We introduced a marble feature wall to partition the room and placed a bespoke floating vanity at its centre, creating a strong focal point.

This allowed us to:

• Position the walk-in shower in a separate, private area
• Create a strong sense of symmetry
• Maintain easy movement through the room.

Introducing Natural Light

Natural light in the original roundel was limited, so the space relied heavily on artificial lighting. To address this, we introduced two carefully positioned rooflights within the conical roof structure to bring in natural light

These draw daylight into the centre of the room, making the space feel taller and highlighting the texture and warmth of the new materials. Positioned on either side of the bathroom, the roof windows also improve ventilation.

Integrating Storage & Functionality

Guided by the roundel’s geometry, we introduced a bespoke fluted vanity that provides practical storage while maintaining a clean and balanced composition.

A frameless glass screen encloses the large walk-in shower, keeping the marble surfaces visible while protecting the surrounding areas from water. A recessed niche set within the marble wall provides discreet storage for toiletries.

We introduced open timber shelving within the eaves, turning areas of lower ceiling height into useful storage. Positioned beyond the shower, this area also provides privacy for changing.

Colour, Materials & Detail

We specified a limited  palette of materials so the roundel’s architecture remains the defining feature of the space, and adds to the clean and contemporary scheme

Large-format marble tiles by Mandarin Stone wrap both the feature wall and floor, creating continuity and reflecting the natural light.

The bespoke fluted vanity introduces texture through its vertical timber detailing, highlighting the quality of the joinery and contrasting with the smooth marble.

Brushed copper brassware and shower fittings by ABI Interiors introduce warmth against the cool tones of the marble and the rich timber of the vanity, adding contrast. We selected this finish for its subtle patina and to enhance the natural veining of the marble

Together, these materials create a timeless and cohesive aesthetic.

Planning & Works

We obtained planning permission smoothly, with no requests for changes. Our experience managing approvals and working closely with contractors ensured the works were completed to a high standard.

Have a Project in Mind? Interior Architecture and Interior Design in Kent, Thoughtfully Delivered

Elizabeth Nixon Interior Architecture and Design works across Kent and Sussex, delivering bespoke projects within listed buildings, historic homes, and contemporary properties.

Each project is shaped around the character of the building, with careful attention to layout, material selection, and architectural detail.

If you are planning a bathroom conversion or redesign within a listed property, we would be pleased to discuss your project. 

To arrange an initial consultation, contact us here.