Winner of the best bathroom in Wales 2025 revealed
Winner of the best bathroom in Wales 2025 revealed
The builder said it was the most challenging bathroom he has ever tackled in his 40 years of working in the trade
Timeless luxury in a period property in Penarth
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
Renovating a bathroom, especially inside a period property, can be a challenge especially if you're spending many thousands of pounds and need the result to be timeless and last in style for decades.
It is one of the trickiest rooms in the house to update according to Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru award winner Mike Robson from building company Talbot Green Construction and Landscaping, who can now add to their credentials the builders of 'the best bathroom in Wales 2025'.
In a Victorian, three-storey home in Penarth there was a former care home that was waiting to be transformed back into a dream dwelling and Mike and his team were given the task of extending, renovating and completely updating, including the principal bedroom's amazing ensuite, which Mike admits was the most challenging bathroom he has ever tackled in his 40 years of working in the trade. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.
READ MORE: This is the best kitchen in Wales
ALSO: The ordinary-looking home with an unexpected treat in the back garden
One of the team, Gary Dodd, taking down the structural wall between the two bedrooms
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
Article continues below
The whole space to transform was currently two bedrooms and needed to become a bigger bedroom and ensuite so there was initially a major structural element to the suite update before a marble tile or bath tap was ever delivered.
Mike says: "It's probably the most work I've done on a bathroom because we had to take down a load bearing wall to knock the two rooms into one space and then create the ensuite in the former bedroom.
All the floors needed to come up too - for extra joist support and for hiding pipework
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
"We had to install the supporting steel beam and then taking up the whole floor because the joists weren't adequate to take the weight of the bath, water and obviously person, and also underneath is a living room which was going to have a chandelier hanging down which weighed a tonne, so took it right back to basics and bricks."
But if anyone is worried about the chandelier situation, maybe thinking there might be an 'Only Fools and Horses' moment and the chandelier ends up on the living room floor, Mike says all the structural specifications were done by an engineer and the team worked to them in conjunction with the architect's drawings.
The stud walls between the two spaces plus the sauna, walk-in shower and toilet walls are added
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
Mike remembers: "All the joists were replaced and strengthened and levelled because as you can imagine it's an old building, nothing is straight or level so it can be a nightmare. But we have an extremely good bathroom and kitchen fitter called Darren Dauncey, although everyone knows him as Daz, and his attention to detail is second to none, he is extremely good, and he can see any problems before they actually arise because of his years of experience."
The owners were, luckily, very understanding of the challenges of knocking around a property over a century old, saying: "True to form for a Victorian property the house kept throwing curve balls at us, but at every obstacle Mike and the team had a solution.
"From first fix to the final finishes their attention to detail was second to none and we could not be happier with the end result."
The space is actually the principal bedroom's ensuite
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
The floor, with its more robust joists, is where all the pipes and plumbing is hidden to ensure the bathroom has a seamless look but this came at the cost of extra work before the marble floor and luxury fittings were installed, and the bath especially was the biggest headache.
Mike says: " Getting the first fix plumbing into place because it had to come from the other side of the room and all the pipes needed to be hidden, so there was chasing out the walls, as well as the joists, so it was the logistics of getting the pipework from a to b.
The bath and tap were the most complex element of the bathroom for the team
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
"The bath is actually my favourite part of the bathroom, even though it was the most challenging. We needed to support the floor underneath it due to the weight of the marble floor tiles, the bath itself, the water when it's full and obviously, a person too.
"Then we had to hide all the pipework for the bath, water waste and the stand-alone tap - all the work to get it all in place - to look at it, it's just a bath and a tap but from our point of view it was a challenge but very satisfying to complete."
The room is full of timeless and tasteful marble - including the dado rails and skirtings
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
The bathroom at the far end includes a separate walk-in shower and a separate toilet and a sauna, all of which were positioned on a wall which made them easier to construct and install as it might first appear, but the house did help out with this element of the build.
Mike says that as the house is an older Victorian house it has high ceilings, so the team easily had the extra space to create a suspended ceiling to assist with hiding more items required to produce the seamless and uncluttered design that so impressed the FMB judges. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here
The walk-in shower includes separate lighting and integrated shelf
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
"The original ceilings were delaminated lath and plaster," Mike adds, "So an MF grid ceiling was installed, not only giving a new level and solid ceiling but all the extraction ducts and services could be run in the void created."
The space for the sauna was prepared, including all the first fix elements, and then Cardiff based BOS leisure appeared on site to install it. Other impressive features to admire include marble skirtings and dado rails.
The sauna is a luxurious addition to the space
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
As the most complex bathroom Mike, Daz and the team have worked on it would be understandable to hear of moments of stress, but having been in the trade for over 40 years he says he doesn't worry, he just finds a solution.
Mike says: " I don't get stressed about things - if I wake up in the morning and I'm breathing that's good enough for me! No matter what problems come up I can sort them, they are miniscule compared to what can happen in life.
The owners wanted a luxurious, five-star hotel feeling and, according to the FMB judges, they got it
(Image: Talbot Green Construction )
One element of a build that Mike says is pivotal to success is communication with the client. He explains: " When starting to put things back together we always ask the client if they are sure they want things exactly to the drawings, such as the location of a plug socket or light switch before we do it and as they are the clients and they are going to live in the place.
"So we are keen to confirm everything with them that they definitely want things as per the drawings or interior designer specifications."
Mike, aged 61 and from Talbot Green, is humble about the title of 'best bathroom in Wales 2025', saying he only entered the competition as a chance to recognise the skill and dedication of his team. He is very proud of the win but hasn't really looked to see if the news has been shared online.
Darren Dauncey and Mike Robson receiving the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru award for 'Wales' Best Bathroom 2025'
He says: "I'm a d inosaur really, I've never seen a social media page and when I have to turn the computer on I feel like smacking my head against a wall! But I'm really content, I'm always active, I can't just sit still, I've got an allotment and I'm always doing stuff."
But clearly there's nothing prehistoric about Mike's build ability, with the award-winning bathroom testament to that. Mike says: "My aim is that whatever the client needs I will hold their hand and help them through the process but at the end of the day it's their home and I treat that with the greatest of respect. All my clients are a pleasure to work for, I'm very fortunate."
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Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Wales Online
Winner of the best bathroom in Wales 2025 revealed
Winner of the best bathroom in Wales 2025 revealed The builder said it was the most challenging bathroom he has ever tackled in his 40 years of working in the trade Timeless luxury in a period property in Penarth (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) Renovating a bathroom, especially inside a period property, can be a challenge especially if you're spending many thousands of pounds and need the result to be timeless and last in style for decades. It is one of the trickiest rooms in the house to update according to Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru award winner Mike Robson from building company Talbot Green Construction and Landscaping, who can now add to their credentials the builders of 'the best bathroom in Wales 2025'. In a Victorian, three-storey home in Penarth there was a former care home that was waiting to be transformed back into a dream dwelling and Mike and his team were given the task of extending, renovating and completely updating, including the principal bedroom's amazing ensuite, which Mike admits was the most challenging bathroom he has ever tackled in his 40 years of working in the trade. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: This is the best kitchen in Wales ALSO: The ordinary-looking home with an unexpected treat in the back garden One of the team, Gary Dodd, taking down the structural wall between the two bedrooms (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) Article continues below The whole space to transform was currently two bedrooms and needed to become a bigger bedroom and ensuite so there was initially a major structural element to the suite update before a marble tile or bath tap was ever delivered. Mike says: "It's probably the most work I've done on a bathroom because we had to take down a load bearing wall to knock the two rooms into one space and then create the ensuite in the former bedroom. All the floors needed to come up too - for extra joist support and for hiding pipework (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) "We had to install the supporting steel beam and then taking up the whole floor because the joists weren't adequate to take the weight of the bath, water and obviously person, and also underneath is a living room which was going to have a chandelier hanging down which weighed a tonne, so took it right back to basics and bricks." But if anyone is worried about the chandelier situation, maybe thinking there might be an 'Only Fools and Horses' moment and the chandelier ends up on the living room floor, Mike says all the structural specifications were done by an engineer and the team worked to them in conjunction with the architect's drawings. The stud walls between the two spaces plus the sauna, walk-in shower and toilet walls are added (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) Mike remembers: "All the joists were replaced and strengthened and levelled because as you can imagine it's an old building, nothing is straight or level so it can be a nightmare. But we have an extremely good bathroom and kitchen fitter called Darren Dauncey, although everyone knows him as Daz, and his attention to detail is second to none, he is extremely good, and he can see any problems before they actually arise because of his years of experience." The owners were, luckily, very understanding of the challenges of knocking around a property over a century old, saying: "True to form for a Victorian property the house kept throwing curve balls at us, but at every obstacle Mike and the team had a solution. "From first fix to the final finishes their attention to detail was second to none and we could not be happier with the end result." The space is actually the principal bedroom's ensuite (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) The floor, with its more robust joists, is where all the pipes and plumbing is hidden to ensure the bathroom has a seamless look but this came at the cost of extra work before the marble floor and luxury fittings were installed, and the bath especially was the biggest headache. Mike says: " Getting the first fix plumbing into place because it had to come from the other side of the room and all the pipes needed to be hidden, so there was chasing out the walls, as well as the joists, so it was the logistics of getting the pipework from a to b. The bath and tap were the most complex element of the bathroom for the team (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) "The bath is actually my favourite part of the bathroom, even though it was the most challenging. We needed to support the floor underneath it due to the weight of the marble floor tiles, the bath itself, the water when it's full and obviously, a person too. "Then we had to hide all the pipework for the bath, water waste and the stand-alone tap - all the work to get it all in place - to look at it, it's just a bath and a tap but from our point of view it was a challenge but very satisfying to complete." The room is full of timeless and tasteful marble - including the dado rails and skirtings (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) The bathroom at the far end includes a separate walk-in shower and a separate toilet and a sauna, all of which were positioned on a wall which made them easier to construct and install as it might first appear, but the house did help out with this element of the build. Mike says that as the house is an older Victorian house it has high ceilings, so the team easily had the extra space to create a suspended ceiling to assist with hiding more items required to produce the seamless and uncluttered design that so impressed the FMB judges. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here The walk-in shower includes separate lighting and integrated shelf (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) "The original ceilings were delaminated lath and plaster," Mike adds, "So an MF grid ceiling was installed, not only giving a new level and solid ceiling but all the extraction ducts and services could be run in the void created." The space for the sauna was prepared, including all the first fix elements, and then Cardiff based BOS leisure appeared on site to install it. Other impressive features to admire include marble skirtings and dado rails. The sauna is a luxurious addition to the space (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) As the most complex bathroom Mike, Daz and the team have worked on it would be understandable to hear of moments of stress, but having been in the trade for over 40 years he says he doesn't worry, he just finds a solution. Mike says: " I don't get stressed about things - if I wake up in the morning and I'm breathing that's good enough for me! No matter what problems come up I can sort them, they are miniscule compared to what can happen in life. The owners wanted a luxurious, five-star hotel feeling and, according to the FMB judges, they got it (Image: Talbot Green Construction ) One element of a build that Mike says is pivotal to success is communication with the client. He explains: " When starting to put things back together we always ask the client if they are sure they want things exactly to the drawings, such as the location of a plug socket or light switch before we do it and as they are the clients and they are going to live in the place. "So we are keen to confirm everything with them that they definitely want things as per the drawings or interior designer specifications." Mike, aged 61 and from Talbot Green, is humble about the title of 'best bathroom in Wales 2025', saying he only entered the competition as a chance to recognise the skill and dedication of his team. He is very proud of the win but hasn't really looked to see if the news has been shared online. Darren Dauncey and Mike Robson receiving the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru award for 'Wales' Best Bathroom 2025' He says: "I'm a d inosaur really, I've never seen a social media page and when I have to turn the computer on I feel like smacking my head against a wall! But I'm really content, I'm always active, I can't just sit still, I've got an allotment and I'm always doing stuff." But clearly there's nothing prehistoric about Mike's build ability, with the award-winning bathroom testament to that. Mike says: "My aim is that whatever the client needs I will hold their hand and help them through the process but at the end of the day it's their home and I treat that with the greatest of respect. All my clients are a pleasure to work for, I'm very fortunate." Article continues below Find your a property for sale with a lush bathroom here:
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
We transformed an old cow shed into an incredible Welsh home
We transformed an old cow shed into an incredible Welsh home 'You turn up and there's basically four walls and a tin shed roof hanging off it' The challenges are worth the effort when the result is this stunning conversion (Image: Adref Construction ) From a building with just four stone walls and an iron roof hanging off the structure to a stunning home that was a finalist in the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) 2025 Awards, this transformation project was always going to be a challenge. Hidden away off small country lanes and hard to locate in Pembrokeshire, open to the elements of wind, rain, and more rain, and literally just an empty stone shell waiting to be rescued and revived into life whilst complying fully with modern level of building regulations - who would take it on? Enter the 'dream team' of Luke Jones and Aled Harries, carpenters by trade but now specialists in project management and quantity surveying too that, when combined, have created the company Adref Construction, who have turned this rundown cow shed into an almost unrecognisable country home. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: The ordinary-looking home with an unexpected treat in the tiny back garden ALSO: Abandoned building in stunning location could be transformed into luxury holiday lodges The transformation of the empty cow shed, which more recently was a pottery, begins (Image: Adref Construction ) Article continues below Aled says: "It was a traditional project in keeping with the nature of the building; the latest we knew about its past was that it was an old pottery at that it was located on the outskirts of the Preseli mountains. "The character of the building and using traditional materials on it was quite special - we saw the plans and the detail from the architects Rural Office, which showed it was a very high spec project incorporating traditional materials, which takes time and effort but that was a big tick for us." Luke Jones and Aled Harries who established Adref Construction (Image: Adref Construction ) Luke adds: "W e've done quite a few jobs with this architect company and so we know the level of detail they're working to - it's high end stuff which means the client's expectations are high too. "When you turn up and there's basically four walls and a tin shed roof hanging off it you know there's a long journey ahead but it's very exciting and great to get going with a project like this." Aled and Luke, both aged 36 and from Croesgoch and Eglwyswrw respectively, are local and know the area well but not even that prepared them for the brutal weather that plagued the project as winter approached. Inside the former barn as the roof construction above progresses (Image: Adref Construction ) Luke says: "I think it was one of the wettest winters in a while - it seemed to rain from September to spring! So the weather was the main challenge of the project because of the traditional products we were using like lime for rendering and plastering. "It's hard to use the traditional materials in the depths of winter when it's either too wet or too cold but you come across issues with these old cowsheds along the way." From above the two different levels of roof and materials used plus the solar panels are revealed (Image: Adref Construction ) Where other people might have been worn down by the wild Welsh weather, the duo's joy of working on such a special building in such a glorious corner of Wales was a constant uplift. Aled says: "S ometimes the sun would be out, sometimes it would be snowing, it had very adverse weather but to be working here, on my doorstep, was special and very peaceful. "The section of the Preseli mountains you can see from the back of the barn is where my father's side of the family were brought up and where they would play when they were kids and it's where I'm from too, so that was quite special for me." Aled has a soft spot for the pink tiles in the bathroom (Image: Adref Construction ) Another aspect to the build that the pair had to contend with, as well as the weather, was lost delivery drivers. Aled says: " The back roads leading to it are not the usually back roads people would go on, a lot of people would get lost trying to find it - we had a bit of fun when we had people delivering to the property getting lost and trying to find them, but I think once you find this road, it's all fine." The barn conversion's main build challenge was not just about its age and condition, but also about combining history with modern additions and with eco-friendly features. Luke says: "W alls weren't built back then as they should be today, it was never meant to be lived in when it was built, so there were jobs such as underpinning the footings, rebuilding walls from bottom to top but making sure it looks like the original wall. Kitchen is also pretty in pink (Image: Adref Construction ) "The project was definitely more challenging than most because it is difficult to incorporate traditional methods such as lime, breathable products with new heating systems, underfloor heating and air source heat pump, insulation - but trying to couple that then with old stone walls - you've got to make the old building as newly insulated up to existing regulations without changing the look of it. "The architect comes up with a lot of it of course, but then we have the challenges working through it to comply with building regulations and make sure products are compatible - it is a challenge but it is definitely worth it because now when you go in there now it's really well insulated, feels really warm, and the client says the energy bills are low. The lounge is Luke's favourite space due to the its stone wall and exposed beam character (Image: Adref Construction ) "The primary heating source is an air source heat pump which is obviously electric but we're offsetting that electric demand with solar panels and wood fibre insulation, not oil based so a lot better for the environment during production, so all the walls internally are clad with that insulation and then lime plastered." When you are working on a building every day and it is your constant companion, in your thoughts as well as being your physical work place, some builders feel like they form a special bond and a unique relationship with it, and for Luke and Aled when the day finally came to hand over the barn keys to the owner, they felt 'a bit odd'. The log burner keeps the lounge cosy but so does the insulation, double-glazing and underfloor heating provided by a heat source pump (Image: Adref Construction ) Luke explains: " It's quite weird, you spend so much time there - every day for many months and give it your blood, sweat and tears and then you're handing the keys over, driving off and not coming back. B ut at the end of the day as long as the client and architect are happy - that's the main thing - and it's a good feeling to know that you're done a good job." You know when a builder has fallen a little bit in love with one of their projects when they find it hard to target their favourite aspect of the finished property, and so it is for Aled. He says: "Outside, it's the guttering! You wouldn't hear someone say guttering is one of their favourite parts of a project but I just think this detailing is fantastic, it goes with the red windows. It is aluminium guttering so modern but looks traditional. Even the smallest room in the converted barn has been given careful thought and design details (Image: Adref Construction ) "Internally, it's the pink tiles up in the ensuite - I don't think they'd be everyone's cup of tea but for some reason I really like them, it's a lovely room too, but the kitchen is nice too though." Aled mentions the guttering, downpipes and windows which illustrates the level of detail that went into converting this old barn, as he mentions the owner spent a lot of time researching and finding a tone of red as close to the traditional shade of Pembrokeshire red as possible. For Luke, his favourite space inside the barn is the lounge that boasts an exposed stone wall, a log burner, a large arched window and exposed A-frame at the top of the double-height space. The roof gets a special mention too, and so it should, with the two original different roofline levels kept and one given Welsh slate and the other a corrugated aluminium crown which brings the building's agricultural past centre stage into its future. The mix of stone, wood and metal window frames, guttering and downpipes coated in a shade of Pembrokeshire red is a visual treat (Image: Adref Construction ) Taking on a build that takes a ramshackle, empty former farm building and converts it into a home to have dreams about is a challenge, and the duo have some sound advice for anyone contemplating it. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here Luke says: "Get the right architect, not every architect has the heritage skills and can produce the level of detail that Rural Office have, and then finding a building company that can work to the drawings because not everybody is able to work at this level of detail either. "Also, as a client, you need to have a flexible budget and be willing to spend for this level of detail because unfortunately it doesn't come cheap and be understanding of this." The builders fell in love with it, the client was thrilled, and the barn gets to live for many, many years to come (Image: Adref Construction ) Aled adds: "Take your time, go through the details with the architect and builders, don't jump straight in and then have regrets about your decisions. Budget is key and so we are always transparent about costs, we monitor it all and keep the client well informed, I think that's the key to our success." Article continues below The pair clearly know what they are talking about if the comments from the owner of this stunning barn are anything to go by, she says: "They are trustworthy, professional, and a pleasure to work with and have a rare eye for detail. We found working with Adref very easy, they stayed in contact with us and kept us in the loop with every stage of the building process and also a cost breakdown. We couldn't recommend them more highly." Find your own barn to convert or property for sale anywhere in Wales:
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
The Bradford Club closes after more than 250 years
It was in the 1860s that the Bradford Club opened in a city that teemed with commerce and industry. This week this venerable institution, which counts Sir Titus Salt and Sir Ken Morrison among its past members, closed its doors for the final decision, taking after patronage declined since the demise of the Bradford wool trade, brought the curtain down on one of the last Victorian gentleman's clubs to still exist in a provincial the closure of the nearby Wool Exchange in the 1970s, the dining room would throng with mill owners and managers on weekdays, while magistrates and solicitors debated in corners. Business deals were sealed over a game of club itself was founded in 1761 before settling in its final premises on Piece Hall Yard. Fixtures and fittings have been stripped out ahead of a new chapter in the Grade II-listed building's history. The BBC bumped into trustee Steven Howard on Piece Hall Yard as final preparations for departure were being made."It's a great shame," he said."Sadly, after many, many years of being here, we're having to close because what we do here is no longer fashionable."Mr Howard added: "We were still getting by as of Covid, but people's habits changed and not temporarily."Many of our overheads were hugely affected by the war in Ukraine."For instance, our power costs went through the roof."Our model just became redundant really." The membership had become elderly and many were no longer living in Bradford. The number of professionals working in the city centre had declined since law and accountancy firms left for of the furniture has been donated to a Halifax-based charity that will send chairs and tables to schools in the building has been bought by the owners of the adjacent City Vaults pub and will become a hospitality venue. Si Cunningham is the chair of Bradford Civic Society as well as the City Centre Heritage Action said: "I think there's a couple of things that have made the site particularly special. "The first one and perhaps the most important one is the building itself. "It's a very architecturally striking building. "It's a bit of a hidden gem for the city as well, because it's located down quite a quiet street in the city centre and has really strong links to Lockwood and Mawson, who are very well-known Bradford architects. "So the building itself helps to tell the story of Bradford, particularly those links to the industry."And I think as far as the club is concerned, that's the part of the city's heritage that probably has quite a lot of fascinating stories and a lot of links to some of the big names from Bradford's wool industry who would have been members there over the years as well." Dr David Pendleton is the current editor of the Bradford Antiquarian, which is the journal of the Bradford Historical and Antiquarian often visited the Bradford Club with the society. "It'll be sorely missed, but in some respects, I'm astonished it's got this far," Dr Pendleton Leeds Club, which had a similar history, closed its doors in 2017. One of the few clubs still going in Yorkshire is the Harrogate Club, which has been in existence since Bradford once had the most private members' clubs outside of London, with five Pendleton said: "There were some very rich members whose names have disappeared from history. "But people like Sir Titus Salt, and the father of the composer Frederick Delius, who owned a big warehouse in Little Germany."Names that we still remember to this day were members of that club and undoubtedly it would have had a lot of famous visitors as well over the years." But as the years went on, the club had to look to other ways of generating income. It was used as a filming location for the 2013 BBC drama The Great Train Robbery, as well as The ABC Murders and recent production far as Dr Pendleton is concerned, he is glad it is being kept in local hands."It's pretty good news that the people from the City Vaults have bought the building because they've got a decent track record of reviving, and doing a good job actually, of some of the city centre buildings," he Mr Howard is still reticent about whether the club's history will be kept alive."I'm not sure how much of it can be preserved if we're not here," he said."We were more interested in the club continuing, but it's not been possible."Times have changed." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
