In the past year, the evolution of our homes has rapidly accelerated. Our interiors have been increasingly required to accommodate activities, such as working and exercising, that had previously taken place elsewhere.
Whether incorporating a gym, pool or yoga studio, the ambition should not only be to create an attractive, dedicated space, but also to ensure that it fits seamlessly into a family home in a basement, extension, or annexe.
Redundant agricultural buildings are often perfect to house these amenities because they can offer the right light, space and setting. Whether choosing a basement, an extension, an existing building or one that is purpose built, the secret is to create a space that complements the main house and is of the same standards found in the best commercial environments, with air-conditioning, high-quality lighting and luxurious shower rooms.
These leisure rooms have always been an integral part of houses created or restored by Janine Stone and her team. Here, the designer shares her thoughts on how they should be designed and how they can seamlessly be added to the mix.
What are the advantages of having your own pool, gym or yoga room?
Aside from the obvious health benefits, the great saving is time. Having these spaces close to hand means that no time is wasted travelling to and from a gym or pool. People often forget that these can also be sociable rooms that create the opportunity to host yoga classes, swimming parties and poolside entertaining, thus offering a great way to spend time with family and friends.
However, they also bring huge advantages when people use them on their own, not least because you can then choose your own playlist on a sound system!
What is the ideal location?
Much depends on the house. Basement gyms are ideal for townhouses, but in large country properties there are significant benefits to using extensions and outbuildings that provide light, plenty of lateral space and beautiful views.
And how do you design them?
Janine Stone & Co has a long track record of working with the UK’s most skilled and experienced craftsmen. Our emphasis on quality, communication and collaboration ensures that we not only have access to the very best skills, but also that work is beautifully executed.
What are your views on indoor pools?
When they are a part of the main house, access is vital. If an indoor pool is beautifully designed, there’s no reason for it not to blend seamlessly with the living areas, as well as with the garden. In a house we built in Surrey, the pool does exactly that, creating a space that is not only good for fitness, but also offers the perfect environment for the owners to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Similarly, it was designed to make use of the beautiful garden they have created.
What are the benefits of a leisure complex that combines gym, yoga studio and pool?
Aside from the variety it offers, a space where clients can swim, exercise and do yoga can be designed so that it shares facilities, such as shower rooms, saunas and steam rooms, thus creating a whole that is infinitely greater than a sum of the parts.
Janine Stone & Co specialises in building and renovating residential projects, incorporating architecture, interior design and construction management, and has been providing Country Life with professional insights and expertise in this Masterclass series for the past few months. To speak with Janine Stone & Co about your project, please telephone 020–7349 8888 or visit www.janinestone.com
Credit: Janine Stone
Janine Stone: 'We create houses not only for clients, but for future generations'
In the third of our series of masterclasses, interior designer Janine Stone answers questions from Giles Kime about how to
Credit: Janine Stone
Janine Stone: 'There’s an assumption that living in a period property involves a compromise in terms of layout and comfort. We don’t agree'
Credit: Janine Stone
Creating the house of your dreams with Janine Stone
In the first of a new series of masterclasses with Janine Stone, Country Life’s Executive Editor Giles Kime talks to
Credit: New build in Berkshire by Janine Stone
A house that shows sometimes the best option is bulldoze your home and start again
An Arts-and-Crafts-inspired house in Berkshire demonstrates the possibilities of a new build, says Giles Kime.
-
Floella, Baroness Benjamin: ‘66 years ago, this new world felt alien and harsh, but I grew to love the English's eccentricities and peculiarities'To celebrate the release of this week's 'English Issue', Paula Minchin spoke to six individuals on what being English means to them. Today's is the Trinidadian-British actress and Liberal Democrat peer, Floella Benjamin.
-
The Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 15, 2026, gets incredibly metaThis quiz is about quizzes. Hold on to your hats.
-
Star of the show: How George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life wowed visitors at the Chelsea Flower ShowThe Garden Lover’s Library, created by George Saumarez Smith for Country Life, dazzled visitors at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
-
Inspired by the past: How Munder Skiles blended old and new for Country Life's stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowOn Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, two striking designs by Munder Skiles demonstrated the exciting possibilities of combining inspiration from the past, artisanal skills, high-quality materials and cutting-edge engineering to create furniture suited to inside and out.
-
Reader event: The art of the country house garden at DaylesfordWhat are the ingredients of the perfect country garden in the 21st century? At this Country Life event, five leading experts will share their wisdom on achieving pleasing good looks, creating comfortable spaces for relaxation, manageable maintenance and how to make a garden your own.
-
Art underfoot: How Artorius Faber brought to life the stone floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
-
The best of British: How home-grown stone will be one of the stars on the Country Life stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowCountry Life's stand at RHS Chelsea will celebrate the beauty of Artorius Faber’s home-grown stone.
-
The art of the hand: George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life at ChelseaGeorge Saumarez Smith will demonstrate the power of pen and pencil when Country Life unveils his hand-drawn design for its stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
-
Reader event report: An eye to the future at DaylesfordThe magnificent Heritage Barn at Daylesford in the Cotswolds was the setting for an event at which five specialists with a deep understanding of country properties shared their expertise.
-
Reader Event: An eye to the future at Daylesford Heritage HouseWhat changes to a house do most to enhance its aesthetics, function, comfort, sustainability and longevity? On March 24, leading experts in architecture, interior design, craft and restoration will share the secrets to maximising possibilities and protecting value at Daylesford’s magnificent Heritage House in Gloucestershire.
