Replacing windows in Georgian property

[chichester]

This is my first post although I've been viewing the forum since buying our 1780s property about a year ago, and have really found it helpful - thanks everyone for sharing all your experience!

The windows at the front of our property (it's a 3 storey, detached house in the suburbs of London) are classic Georgian 6 over 6 sashes (3 over 3 on the top floor). At the back however, most of the window openings are much wider than they are tall (and this appears to be the original shape) and have been replaced by 20th century metal casements which are buckled, rusted and extremely draughty. We want to replace with wooden frames which are in keeping, and it's been suggested to us that the window shape isn't really compatible with sashes and the property would probably originally have had wooden casements. Others have suggested that a "Venetian sash" (essentially three box sashes in a single frame) would be the way to go.

Does anyone have any experience of windows other than sashes in properties of this age - the property is listed and in a conservation area, so we'll need to get CO approval to change the windows and want to be as well-informed as possible before we make an application.

Thank you!

 

[Nemesis]

I would suggest that you try to sound out the CO before you consider what you think would be acceptable.

It could be that the metal windows are considered part of the history and a speculative re-instatement of something which may never have been there isn't going to be looked on favourably, but as this is always on a building by building basis then it's going to be hard to guess.

You could spend time on an application when a chat beforehand would have pointed you in the right direction.

I appreciate that some local authorities have a policy of only discussing formal applications, but not all are like that. Worth trying.

 

[chichester]

Thanks - I have asked the CO and the response was that whilst they would be supportive of replacing the windows, we should consult an architect on the style of replacements - and this is where we've encountered differing views. So am throwing it open for wider debate in the hope of achieving some kind of insight or consensus!

 

[MdB]

A picture would be helpful.

 

[Penners]

You might find it useful to check out the books offered by the Georgian Group - click here.

Or perhaps consider membership. You may find that you can get a lot of useful advice about your house.

 

[biffvernon]

Just what are the dimensions? Dunno about in London, but up north the backs of Georgian houses often have Yorkshire Sashes, where the opening half slides sideways. They are typically squarish, often quite small but up to about 4 feet square. Yorkshire sashes that are significantly wider than high are divided into three sashes, usually with just the central section sliding open horizontally.

Have a look round the neighbours and see if you can find any examples. Sometimes in Conservation Areas one is more free with what is allowed round the back than at the front of the house.

 

[Nemesis]

Are there no other houses in the area from which you can draw some ideas?

I add that casements would probably be cheaper than sashes!

(Hadn't seen your post Biff when I posted... the house is listed and LBC will be required.

It may be that the Geo Group is asked to comment on the application also.)

 

[MdB]

If you are good with a computer, try modifying a picture of the property by adding some alternative windows. It can give you a good idea on what it would look like. For example, here is Penners outhouse with a nice tasteful uPVC addition:

 

[Penners]

I'm truly ashamed that I didn't incorporate that feature at the outset.

Now, where's my Yellow Pages? Hmmm... window suppliers....here we are.

 

[Moo]

Why not get rid of that boring little door and just have proper patio windows?

 

[Flyfisher]

Yes, and some stone-cladding would smarten up that dreary dark wood :wink:

 

[Penners]

That'll teach me not to go designing my own garage. If only I'd sought proper advice on this forum before putting virtual pen to paper...

 

[biffvernon]

I trust that's real pig's blood you mixed in the limewash on the pink wall.

 

[Nemesis]

One expresses the hope that the floral display next year will not be quite so aesthetically discordant?

 

[Matt Green]

I couldn't help but notice your property did have the benefit of a modern damp-proof course...

 

[Nemesis]

All that glass though - you need one of these to clean it:

http://www.funpic.hu/swf/monitor_cleaner.swf

 

[Penners]

I trust that's real pig's blood you mixed in the limewash on the pink wall.

The pink wall you can see is actually our neighbour's. Judging by their freezer-full of pork sausages, I'm optimistic about its authenticity.

 

[Penners]

I couldn't help but notice your property did have the benefit of a modern damp-proof course...

Yes, and a plague of rodents, too, by the look of it.

 

[MdB]

That'll teach me not to go designing my own garage. If only I'd sought proper advice on this forum before putting virtual pen to paper...

You see Penners what improvements you could have had if you had come to us first....

 

[Nemesis]

EEEEEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!!!!