Albion Tubby Tubs

[Westcountrygemini]

so ... We moved into our Victorian flat 6 months ago. We've only got a shower and I miss a bath so much! We have to have the room redone anyway (shower is leaking into wall, hate the tiles yadda yadda) so I've worked out that if I move the toilet slightly, I can fit in a tubby tub. Am useless an adding links btw so apologies and grateful thanks to anyone else who can actually do it for me so you can see what I am talking about.

Anyway, to the actual point of this post, I don't seem to be able to find any stockists aside from Albion in Colchester which is a good 4 - 5 hour drive away for me.

Hence I thought I'd ask Mumsnet, anyone have one? Has seen one in real life? Thoughts/experiences would be great to hear?

Thank you all and to anyone who can help.

[justaweeone]

Hi not s tubby tub but this company stocks small tubs and as a showroom in Islington
https://www.castironbath.co.uk/roll-top-baths.html]

[justaweeone]

https://www.castironbath.co.uk/roll-top-baths.html

[justaweeone]

Or what about something like this if you don't mind a shower bath
http://www.ukbathrooms.com/shop/bathrooms/baths/showerbaths/products/burlingtonhamptontraditionalshower_bath.html?gclid=COHPjJ317cwCFesW0wodLhgE6g

[justaweeone]

Link fail but here is a photo

[Westcountrygemini]

Oops, sorry I posted and ran, didn't realise anyone had replied! I'll check out the link to the cast iron bath, thank you

[Westcountrygemini]

I had a look and they are all too long . The challenge is finding a bath no longer than 1220cm hence being drawn toward the tubby tub (or a carron sit in). Width isn't the problem, length is.

Don't need it to be a shower bath, we have a separate shower, this is purely about indulgence for me when I fancy a bit of a soak.

Am starting to think I am going to have to drive to Essex to take a look in person!

[justaweeone]

The tubby tubs are lovely. Have you tried giggling Japanese bath. Company here but not sure about showrooms
http://www.omnitub.co.uk/buy-original-omnitub-from-omnitub-direct/
Also Google hip baths

[MrsFlorrick]

I've got three Albion baths. None of them are tubbys though.

They're OK. I would have gone for cast iron bath co but given one had to go to the 2fkoor of the house and two on the first floor and they would need to go vertical to turn on stairs, I didn't want one of plumbers squashed under one.

Albion are sold as a solid but lightweight alternative to cast iron.

They look exactly like the cast iron baths. But so much easier to handle.

However the insides are very shiny and look like plastic (not really great when you've spent £8k on three bath tubs).

And they don't sound particularly solid either when knocked so their own "passes the knock test", isn't really entirely correct.

Very very over priced imo. But they really are far far nicer than acrylic.

I'd say they're easier to clean than cast iron as cast iron baths don't like most cleaning fluids or bleach (ruins the enamel).
And the fact you can install them without worrying about getting them carried into the bathroom or injuring someone in the process.

Our last house I didn't go for Albion but a cast iron bateau. Beautiful but the poor plumbers plus 6 of his friends almost killed themselves getting it up the stairs and the stair case needed a repair afterwards.

So beautiful, better than acrylic and easy to maintain. However they don't quite match up to a cast iron bath in terms of looks.

Btw this is being hyper critical. I suppose I think they are over priced. If they (not that it would happen), were approx 15% to 20% less then it wouldn't be such a wrench. And I would be much more glowing in my feedback.

If you live in a flat they are a fab option and will look great.

[MrsFlorrick]

Would this be too long?
http://www.classicalbaths.co.uk/classicalbaths/controller/single-product?sort=price1&itemtype=image&product_code=RM-ORLANDO1380&v1=1

[Westcountrygemini]

justaweeone, I'd thought of a Japanese soaking tub, didn't really fancy it but the omnibus you've linked too would be perfect size wise, definitely requires more investigation to see if I can find one in real life to get into and try for size without a mammoth journey.

MrsFlorrick, thanks for the feedback re Albion, makes me feel better about considering spending that sort of money on a bath just for me that I might possibly buy sight unseen. Couldn't get the other link to work btw ...

[Westcountrygemini]

Oops damn autocorrect, omnitub not omnibus!

[Butwhereto]

what about the Bette steel hip or mini baths? They can look reasonably traditional when tiled or wood panelled in. I always used to have the ones with a seat when living abroad. I quite like them as there is always some where to rest your tea or wine on the side and most of you is actually under the hot water. They are the shortest baths I have seen. The steel means that they don't have that cheap flexing feeling.

[Westcountrygemini]

butwhereto, yes, I found those last night when googling. I think I need to go and sit in on of those and the omnnitub, they are now at the top of my list as, aesthetically, I think they will look better boxed in rather than a tubby tub, umm, wedged in if you like.