How useful are downstairs loos?

[mussinboots]

On the search for a property to house us all and I'm seeing quite a few properties with a tiny downstairs loo. We're in a flat currently and with twin toddlers that's a godsend at present with last minute toilet dashes but once they're fully toilet trained, is it worth having a downstairs loo?

Maybe the opposite scenario but I only have a downstairs toilet. It's an old terrace with the bathroom built at the back. I've never had an upstairs bathroom or toilet since I was 8 because I've always been in flats or terraces so I don't really mind only having one and it being where it is.

@DreamThrum

Obviously they are useful, but I feel the mumsnet obsession with them is somewhat out of proportion to the actual value. I moved into a house with one three months ago, and so far I think it's been used once!

Actually I think that’s very specific to you. Anecdotally everyone I know uses theirs all the time, and the comments on the thread indicate this is rhe common practice, so it’s not all the posters are behaving unusually it seems it’s more you are, preferring to go upstairs rather than use rhe closest loo.

Well I thought they weren't much use when we arranged our extension however my DP really wanted one. We have one and I am so glad we do. Useful with young kids but also when you have guests over.

I wouldn’t be without one.

I wouldn't buy a house without one . Ours has seen us through all the childhood tummy bugs , it's used by every visitor. It's bathed dogs in its sink and is the most used room in the house . Only use the upstairs at night or if I'm up there doing something.

A definate must have IMO.... it means the grandkids don’t have to trek up the stairs .....no shoes need to be taken off if coming in for a wee whilst in the garden

Yes, if you can find a property with one then do.

Also very helpful when kids get a bit older and come haring in from the park covered in mud and desperately needing the loo....

Our in-the-process-of-being-built downstairs loo will also be invaluable when we finally get around to doing our family bathroom.

We have to have a working toilet and sink for whilst that is out of action!

We haven't got one. To us location near good secondaries and a big garden were more important when we bought the house.We have two bathrooms though, but you have to go upstairs. It's not the end of the world. Both kids potty trained without issues. Don't have that many guests anyway, but even then it's no problem if they pop upstairs.
We may be able to carve out some space for one downstairs at some point.
I think that downstairs loos are mainly essential for someone with mobility issues. So we might put one in eventually as we get older.

we have 2 loos, both upstairs, one completely separate and next to the bathroom, one included in the shower room. YY to needing two loos, but caveats on position. I wouldn't mind a loo downstairs IF it was positioned well. Noises, smells, don't want to have toothbrush mess or similar downstairs. I stayed in a holiday cottage once where the entrance hall led to a utility room with a separate room for the loo right at the end of that. All very separate from kitchen, dining and sitting room. That was a good arrangement.

I've never lived in a house with a downstairs toilet. I grew up in a house with only one bathroom though and that could be problematic. My main criteria would be more than one bathroom/toilet but one of them wouldn't necessarily need to be downstairs.