Victorian Public Toilet Transformed into Unique Hotel Experience

A historic public toilet in Oxford, UK, has undergone an extraordinary transformation into a boutique hotel known as The Netty. This repurposed facility, once a Victorian public lavatory, now offers a stylish and unusual lodging experience for visitors to the city.

Situated beneath the bustling St Giles’ road, The Netty features two rooms that blend modern design with remnants of their past. Each room is accessed via a staircase from the street, providing a unique entrance to what was once a public convenience. The interior design showcases vintage floral patterns, making it difficult to believe the space once housed toilets and sinks.

The conversion of this former toilet block was completed after it sat dormant for over a decade. Originally opening in 1895, the men’s toilets closed in 2008 due to safety concerns related to pedestrian access. The property was listed for sale at £65,000 in 2014 and was purchased by Gwyn Harries-Jones. Following a lengthy approval process, construction finally began to convert the space into hotel suites.

A Unique Stay in Oxford

The hotel features two suites, each accommodating up to two guests and available for booking starting at £110 per night. Suite one is adorned with forest green and bright red accents, showcasing an intricate floral tapestry that drapes from the ceiling. Notably, the suites retain original features, including a restored royal blue Victorian toilet, which stands prominently in the bathroom.

In suite two, guests will find pinky-beige walls complemented by green elements. Similar to its counterpart, this suite also boasts a vintage Victorian toilet, this time in a soft baby pink hue. Both bathrooms are equipped with luxury organic toiletries from the British brand Austin Austin, ensuring a touch of modern comfort.

Despite its below-ground location, natural light floods into the rooms through frosted pavement glass above, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Ana Pinheiro, the hotel’s manager, remarked, “I would say it’s one of the strangest places in Oxford to stay. We know we are not for everyone, but it is a very nice experience if you’re willing.”

Historical Significance and Future Prospects

The site holds historical significance beyond its conversion. During renovations, workers unearthed a variety of artifacts, including bones, horns, and a stoneware jug, offering a glimpse into the past. Originally, the facility comprised four urinals and two cubicles, serving as a vital convenience for locals and visitors alike.

Harries-Jones initially sought to repurpose the building into underground offices, but those plans never materialized. The success of The Netty may inspire similar projects, as various public toilets across the UK have been creatively transformed for modern use. For instance, a set of men’s underground toilets in Fitzrovia, London, has evolved into a popular coffee shop named The Attendant, while another venue, WC – Wine and Charcuterie, offers dining experiences in a former water closet beneath a tube station.

Visitors to The Netty can also explore Oxford, a city renowned for its rich history and academic prestige. Guests can embark on walking tours led by student guides, visiting landmarks such as Oxford University and the famed Bodleian Library. For history enthusiasts, the Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in the UK, boasts a collection of over half a million years of art and archaeology, with free admission.

The unique transformation of this Victorian toilet block into a hotel not only highlights innovative reuse of space but also adds a quirky option for travelers seeking an unconventional stay. As cities evolve, such creative ventures remind us that even the most unexpected locations can find new purpose.