Project Spotlight: Bathroom Renovation – Agents House, Brownsea Island

As part of our ongoing small works and maintenance contract with the National Trust, Dorset Build was invited to carry out a high-spec bathroom renovation in the historic Agents House holiday let on Brownsea Island.

This unique project came with logistical and time-sensitive challenges. With just 10 days to complete the work between holiday bookings, careful scheduling was essential. We implemented a day-and-night shift system to maximise productivity—ensuring every hour on site counted.

Working in a heritage property with deep Dorset roots, the design was thoughtfully led by the National Trust to preserve the building’s charm and period character. Our task included a full strip-out of the old bathroom, installation of new sanitaryware, a hot water cylinder, electric boiler, full redecoration, tiling, and new flooring.

All materials, tools, and our team had to be transported to the island by boat. Once on site, our team worked tirelessly—applying traditional techniques with modern precision to deliver the quality the project demanded.

The finished bathroom features painted timber panelling, hand-made tiles, and National Trust-approved heritage paint colours. The sanitaryware was of the highest quality, seamlessly blending modern functionality with a classic aesthetic that fits beautifully within the building’s context.

This project was such a success that a couple of years later, we were asked to carry out a full renovation of the entire property. Since then, we’ve gone on to refurbish several more National Trust properties on the island.

Working on heritage buildings with such rich histories is a privilege. Our team’s expertise with traditional materials and methods makes us a perfect fit for these sensitive projects—and we’re proud of the strong relationship we’ve built with the National Trust.

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