Holiday home bathrooms in Torquay, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads

A holiday home bathroom works harder than most. It sees lots of different guests, plenty of sand and wetsuits, and then often sits empty for weeks. Whether your place is in Torquay or Jan Juc or in Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads or Point Lonsdale, the brief is the same: tough, easy to clean, simple to use and still a pleasure to step into after a day at the beach.

Think about who will use it

Guests do not know your house. Clear, simple fittings mean fewer problems.

• Simple controls: a single lever shower mixer is easier for guests than separate taps or complex diverters.
• Hand showers: a rail shower suits adults and children, and is great for rinsing off sand.
• Plenty of hooks and rails: wet towels and swimmers need somewhere to go. Add extra robe hooks and a double towel rail.

Floors that cope with sand

Choose a matt porcelain floor in a warm, mid toned travertine or stone look. It hides sand between cleans, does not need sealing when glazed, and can carry a slip rating that suits wet feet. Avoid very pale plain tiles, which show every grain, and very dark tiles, which show salt and dust. Our coastal tiles guide goes into more detail.

Walls that are easy to wipe

Glazed wall tiles wipe clean quickly between guests. Tile the full height of the shower, and consider tiling behind the vanity and toilet too, so splashes are never a problem. A grout colour close to the tile hides wear.

Vanities and storage

• A wall hung vanity makes floors quick to mop.
• Choose a vanity with drawers so guests have somewhere to put toiletries.
• A shaving cabinet adds storage without taking floor space.
• Stone tops and above counter basins are tough and easy to clean.

Tapware that copes with salt air

Salt air can mark any metal finish over time. Brushed and PVD finishes such as brushed nickel, brushed gold and gunmetal hide water spots and fingerprints better than polished finishes. Ask your cleaner to wipe tapware with a soft damp cloth after each stay. Read caring for tapware finishes.

The outdoor shower

An outdoor shower near the side gate is the single best investment in a beach house. It keeps sand out of the bathroom and gives everyone somewhere to rinse wetsuits and boards.

• Use outdoor tiles with a textured or grip finish and a slip rating suited to wet bare feet.
• Make sure the area drains well, and ask your plumber about the right waste and fittings for outdoor use.
• A rail shower or hand shower is handy for rinsing feet and gear.

Toilets and baths

A back to wall toilet suite is quick to clean around. If the home has room for a bath, a freestanding bath is a guest favourite; for a second bathroom, a back to wall bath with a shower over saves space. Families with young children appreciate at least one bath in the house.

Ventilation and drying

A holiday home that is closed up for weeks can get damp. Good ventilation, a window that opens and a heated towel rail on a timer help the bathroom dry out between visits.

Planning from a distance

If you live in Melbourne and the holiday house is on the coast, you can see the range at either showroom. Our Reservoir showroom is handy for the northern suburbs and our Geelong showroom is closest to the coast. We can measure on site, deliver to the property, and quote installation by our qualified trades as a paid service.

Common questions

What is the most durable floor tile for a holiday rental?

A glazed matt porcelain floor tile in a mid toned stone or travertine look. It resists scratches and stains, does not need sealing and hides sand between cleans.

Is an outdoor shower worth it?

For most coastal homes, yes. It keeps sand and salt out of the house and gives guests somewhere to rinse wetsuits and gear.

Can I order in Melbourne and have it delivered to the coast?

Yes. Choose at either showroom or online and we deliver to Torquay, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Australia-wide.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, or book a renovation consult, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days. See all the areas we serve.