No Sash Pocket

[Leonards]

I know another member posted a similar question recently, but we have old sashes with no visible pocket access.
The previous owners had all windows refurbed with Ventrolla.
After watching numerous videos we decided to re sash the broken one ourselves.
However, despite finding a horizontal line filled with filler (?) there is no sign of the bottom of the pocket. We are too novice to contemplate cutting a hole (grade II listed) but are curious as to how to access the weights, or admit defeat and pay a professional?

 

[fernicarry]

My first reaction is that the join is the top of the pocket door, but I see it continues on the outside half of the pulley stile too and there is no join further down. Suspect the whole pulley stile from that point down has been replaced without fabricating a door. The lower wood looks newer too. If there is a door you would need to remove the parting bead to take it out. You should find a vertical join behind the parting bead. Aside, why is the brush pile on the lower half of the parting bead pointing out the way? Has someone swapped over the two sides?

If there really isn't a door then you'll need to cut away part of the pulley stile to make one. A multitool and/or jigsaw would be the weapons of choice. Having made your opening and fixed your cords the problem will be getting the removed piece to sit back in place. There isn't any clearance behind the stile to make any kind of bracket which is why the "official" pocket doors have the profile they do. What I'd suggest is making a rebate top and bottom of the opening and top and bottom of the removed piece and then glue a little sliver of wood onto the rebates on the door to form an overlap with that on the stile. The door will then sit in place without falling through and the parting bead should hold it.

 

[Leonards]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Understand what you’re saying and we’re grateful for your expertise. There’s definitely still a weight behind there and agree there isn’t a pocket, so the only option is to create one. Much obliged

 

[jonathansmith134]

I think you might be referring to my thread. It looks like their renovation is the same conducted on mine - they've skipped making the pocket to save time. So, yeah, I think that means making your own! Good luck!

 

[Leonards]

Thank you. Did you tackle the job yourself?

 

[jonathansmith134]

Plan is to do it only when necessary. If it breaks, I'll do the work to allow me to fix it. There was some excellent tips from people in that thread too. Let us know how you get on!