Someone please give me the long view on family bathrooms!

[chillipickle]

We have just moved into a house which has a smallish bathroom with just a bath and sink in, and a separate toilet. We would rather have a toilet in the bathroom, and are considering knocking down the wall between them to make a good-sized family bathroom. But we are hesitating because the house doesn't have a second toilet.

At the moment we have small DCs, so a larger bathroom appeals to us because it's currently pretty cramped at bathtime. And the door is never locked, so having the one and only toilet in the bathroom wouldn't be a problem.

However I believe all this could change once the children get older.

Another possible plan would be to keep the separate toilet, and put a toilet in the existing bathroom, which would fit but would take up more of the already limited space. But perhaps this would be more practical for the long term? Can anyone advise?

any chance of a downstairs cloakroom in the under stairs bit?

I don't think so, as the under stairs space is quite small. From talking to neighbours, I think the only way to fit a downstairs cloakroom is to put it just inside the front door, and lose a big chunk of hallway and a side window. So it can be done, but not without changing the feel of the house, if you see what I mean.

A toilet separate from the bathroom is a real bonus. I mean, I like a spacious, open bathroom myself, but there's not way I'd want the only toilet in the house to be in the bathroom.

no way, not 'not'

I agree with BackforGood

Another toilet invaluable IMO

If you can't have a second toilet, there's no way I would knock through the toilet and bathroom, even if the bathroom is small.

This is a common feature in French homes. (Not much help to you but still!)

Having this set up has never caused us any issues - indeed it's a positive boon when a relaxing bath is in progress; removes any need for smelly visitors.

Would still consider a second toilet if you do have room though - makes illness easier.

Our house had one toilet when we moved in, next door to a small bathroom with no option to put another toilet in there.

We put another toilet downstairs by chopping a bit off the hall and a room downstairs and it has been hugely handy. I'd take the hit on your hallspace.

We still haven't knocked toilet and bathroom together and aren't going to as have 13 year old DD who spends ages in the bath. The upstairs has been rearranged so we've got a small shower and sink in our bedroom which is brilliant. Couldn't fit another toilet in but that's fine and current arrangement works very well.

Thanks all for your advice. I think you have confirmed my vague suspicion that the best toddler family bathroom arrangement would be less than ideal when we have a teenage family. And DH will be happy to hear that no walls need to be knocked down.