To Uyenvy Le...hope I got hat right...as they say "Great Minds..." I've never forgoten my early "nuddie days on Nauru Island" just after WWII...a whole tribe of little chocolate and vanilla kids with the whole Island as our playground...the older ones with a littley to watch over. Now, I was about to log off when I read an article by a fellow who says that its unhealthy to wash too much or have long baths...that in his opinion equate to "stewing in your own juice". He advocates a short shower without soap about tice a week otherwise a 'sink wash'....and expounds his theories based on the healthy, supple, smoothe skin of jungle natives who do not bathe or use soap....all their natural oils preserved....lalalaaa.. Started me thinking about an pleasurable alternative to "stewing" (his opinion)...I like to have a shower after a long bath both to close the pores and rinse off any.."juice". Oh YUK, why did he have to spoil my heaven! I spent years in Italy in a community where people did not bathe at all or use soap but showered briefly on Saturdays so to go to church on Sundays...it was the worst, so I'm not going to go without my ablutions ever again. But...what if there were such water restrictions that we were all limited to a measured amount of water per person? What of our showers and tubs? That started me thinking on how to remain sweet smelling and really clean. My solution was...SAUNA! I go up to the local Gym for a swim a sauna and a massage just to keep as much mobility as possible and I love the Sauna! You mentioned the Spa..but that requires copious water...then there's communal bathing...which is not something I've done as an adult...that also requires water plus...so SAUNA!... I am having increasing problems getting out of my tub. I'd researched the disability 'walk in tubs' that are filled after one gets in and closes the door on the side and in which one sits on a seat submerged in the water, the Molly Bather which is a belt that lowers one into and out of the tub...but being a permanent fixture it spoils the look of the bathroom...and I like pretty bathrooms as well as functional ones...So many options to getting into and out of a tub....some sort of pretty others not. Not because that fellow has worried me but just that I want to enjoy a really thorough, healthy invigorating cleanse that is easy to access, that is relaxing without making a bathoom that resembles sports locker room showers, the ablution wing of an institution or the disbility facilities in a hospital. Maybe remove my lovely tub and replace it with a state of the art practical sauna room could be the go. Any comments Houzzers?

@oklouise thanks for measurement suggestions, good starting point with so many choices available. About the bath, we thought just a freestanding, or back to wall bath, would take less space compared to drop in bath. But it something worth considering with the suggested layout. Also, the bathroom entry door would be sliding cavity if that helps. @differentways thanks for a suggestion that we haven't really thought about. We have considered a smaller Japanese style deep bath, but obviously this would not be practical for kids. Just to make sure I understand your concept, you are suggesting a purpose built bath which will be about 2570mm (including the ledge), husband thinks this is very generous :). My husband and I can't find a photo of something similar, do you have a link? Are you suggesting the sides of the bath to be a lower height compared to standard bath? I like the idea of a ledge, would definitely make bathing kids easier. About the position of the ensuite, do you mean placing it outside the bedroom area so it can be accessed by others? We have discussed this, still part of ongoing discussion. If need to we just have to move the bedroom entrance door. I have attached a google earth view.

Unfortunately a cavity sliding door on the toilet won't work due to structural considerations. It would be a massive task to modify the existing wall to create a cavity. Anyway, I don't like them. Every house I've been in that had a cavity slider it sagged, and they are so hard to adjust when that happens. They are a great idea in theory, but I've not seen one work well in practice. I did consider a barn slider along the toilet side. Not sure what you mean by an 'inbuilt basin', Shirley. If you mean the type that sit over the toilet cistern, I looked at them and rejected because they are awkward to get at and use. In UK, they make units with an integrated basin next to the cistern and some are very stylish. Nothing like that available in Aus, sadly. I also wanted to ensure there was at least a small amount of cabinet space for toilet cleaner and cloth and spare toilet paper and a few personal conveniences. Where are you located, Julia Lesley? We are on the Sunshine Coast and finding it well nigh impossible to get building tradespeople to do anything at present. The renovator I mentioned above is booked up for 5 months!

It would be hard to go past OKL plan, This layout gives a partner sharing the room a space to come in late or go early without disturbing each other by moving the door along the wall which allows for extra robe space that can be closed off with the bathroom via a sliding door. The large bedroom window could be shuttered to provide an attractive bedhead, privacy and light when needed The wall on the other side of the bed could have builtin storage on either end of a desk/vanity which could be closed off with bifold or retractable doors. A TV could be mounted/recessed within the bathroom wall cheers