The subtle art of the country ensuite

When a once-charming countryside cottage near Bruton was used as a long-term rental, much of its personality faded over time. The owners enlisted Christian Bense design studio to breathe new life into the property - starting with a bathroom transformation that would bring warmth, texture, and a touch of boutique luxury back to the space.

A space in need of soul

“The cottage really lacked any character,” Lexi Strang, Senior Designer for Christian Bense, explains. “Our goal was to bring that character back and make it feel like a true country escape. We wanted the ensuite bathroom to evoke the atmosphere of a small, thoughtfully designed boutique hotel - a space that feels indulgent yet deeply comforting.”

From the first walk-through, one feature stood out: the windows. “They had so much charm,” Lexi says. “We knew from the start that we needed to echo that charm throughout the interiors.” This observation became the guiding principle for the project - combining practical function with inviting, tactile elements that would make guests feel immediately at home.

Balancing function and atmosphere

Bathrooms often sit at the intersection of utility and relaxation and finding that balance was key. “Because this property functions as a guest house, we were able to lean into atmosphere a little more than usual,” Lexi notes.

A slipper bath from Lusso Stone serves as the centrepiece, complete with an overhead shower. To keep things practical, mould-resistant hemp fabric was used for the shower curtains - a material choice that’s both sustainable and stylish. For extra surface space, a bath caddy and a Victorian pot cupboard were added which offers wonderful storage and character. Those little details make all the difference.

The power of tiles

At the heart of the bathroom’s design are our Seasons Birchwoods medium brick tiles, chosen for their gentle, earthy tones. “As a studio, we love a classic metro tile, but they can sometimes feel a bit stark. The Seasons collection offers a range of softer hues that are ideal for country settings. The warm pink undertones of Birchwood complemented our colour scheme perfectly”, Lexi explains.

The tiles’ subtle sheen and variation in tone lend a handmade feel to the room, adding warmth and visual texture that play beautifully against the olive-green bath and antique accents.

Layers of colour and character

Beyond the tiles, the space is tied together through a thoughtful mix of finishes. “The antique cabinet and mirror really anchor the room and add warmth,” Lexi shares. “We painted the bath in olive green for depth and paired it with a soft pink ceiling that picks up the tones from the Birchwood tiles.”

Colour was a major storytelling tool in this project. “We actually used five different paint colours in this one bathroom. It’s one of those details people might not notice right away, but it adds richness. The door, for example, is painted powder blue - a quiet pop that brings another layer of personality.”

Design advice from the experts

When asked for one piece of advice for anyone planning their own bathroom transformation, Lexi recommends: “Avoid creating a space that feels cold or clinical. An ensuite should be an extension of the bedroom - a relaxing, cosy retreat.”

Her tips? “Introduce fabrics for softness, like café curtains; choose an antique mirror with depth rather than a standard bathroom mirror; and bring in storage through furniture - an old cupboard, caddy, or shelving - instead of relying solely on a vanity unit. And please, don’t paint the ceiling builder’s white!”

What began as a simple renovation became a story of revival - a balance of old and new, crafted with care. With its warm palette, vintage details, and timeless materials, this Bruton bathroom proves that even the most functional of spaces can capture the soul of the countryside and the spirit of boutique living.

Thank you to Lexi Strang, interior designer for Christan Bense, for sharing the story and process behind this stunning cottage renovation.

Find out more about our Seasons Birchwoods Medium Brick tile here.