sounds like a good use of space, you could install a pull out hotel clothes line, you know the one with the round fitting on one wall with a single pull out line which clips into a fitting on the other side. Attaching some photos the first is a bathroom that I would love to use to replace our existing ensuite (without replacing the window) which is as you enter the WC is behind the door to the left, right side is a nearly sunken bath with shower plus a large sliding window beside the bath, we think the architect hadn't allowed enough showering space so by adding the window gave extra width. Then we have a full width vanity and mirror on the third wall. The last should have a swimming pool style hand rail. Did you build your house, would love to see some more photos of the bathroom etc. cheers

These tradies are cowboys . I have never seen a mess like that in a bath or else where in over 30 years . The bath normally sits on a bed of concrete slurry or if it is a cast iron bath it should be supported by either feet or the hob. The bath should have enough room under the edges to allow the tiles to go under the lip so a proper silicon seal can be applied all the way around the lip of the bath. As for the insulation it is not necessary to have it wrapped in any water proof protection. If the water is getting onto the insulation then you have bigger problems and from the look of the photos this looks like a definite future possibility.I like to put insulation batts all the way around the bath to try to retain the water temperature for as long as possible,not many people do this though ,but the more you insulate things the better. Looking at your photos the pipework connecting the waste is broken off so the hob will need to have atleast one side pulled off or an access hole cut into it to connect the plumbing. I would be getting these plumbers and builders checked out,if the photos are any indication to go by then there would be other areas of faulty workmanship for sure, -sorry to tell you.

Hmm looks vintage! That detail is beautiful. Could you email the old owner of the store?

We are literally having the same debate. We have a 12 year old and 9 year old, house doesn't have an ensuite as such but dual living set up with one bathroom on the ground level and one on the first level. At this stage we are thinking no bath...will be interested to see what you end up deciding too1