Windows on 17th Century cottage

[AureliaB]

Morning all,

We are looking at sorting windows out in the new year and still unsure on what best to go for. We have a 1721 stonebuilt house (sandstone I think) we currently have 20year old ish upvc standard windows.

We are looking for what would be fitted in that time or what else would look nice. We've like sash but got quoted 28k for 8 windows, which seems insane to me.

What windows would people be looking at fitting?

Happy new year all.

 

[a twig]

My biggest regret from our previous place was fitting timber casement windows rather than sash windows.

£3.5k per window (I assume including fitting) is a bit steep though, worth shopping around or talking to a local joiner rather than a “window company”

 

[Cubist]

In terms of the style the choice will depend heavily on the nature and appearance of the house, any photos you might share would be helpful.

@a twig is right though, sash windows, though expensive, would have been the most likely general pattern and the price you have there is very high. Once you've made your mind up, talk to a couple of good local joiners. Regardless, be careful of the choice of timbers, some can be unsuitable for sash windows and others very expensive. What wood was suggested for your 28k quote?

 

[AureliaB]

These is the house. Well pictures redacted to not have children in it. As you can see the windows are crap .

As for the wood, I've no idea tbh

 

[Itchinfilth]

A lot would have depended on the economic status of the owner and type of house it was when built. Grand Georgian houses with high ceilings would likely have had sash. Cottages / farmhouses etc perhaps a more basic window. Up here leaded lights were still used well in to the 18th century.

 

[Cubist]

I used to know Ashbourne quite well, a long, long time ago now and I'd guess the village has changed markedly since but you're stirred old memories of my schoolboy days on Outward Bound Courses in the dead of winter around there. At one time, not long after those days, I gave, gratefully brief, consideration to buying an old Methodist Chapel on the edge of the village but wisely ran away. Ho hum.

Your house would undoubtedly suit sash windows but then almost anything would be far superior to new UPVC replacements. Presumably though, and knowing how darned cold it can get in that part of the world, you would want double glazed units throughout. That will have contributed a not insignificant slice of the 28k quote you have been given but you would be wise to shop around the joiners shops in the area with that specification in mind. Hardwood frames would be best and you should avoid softwoods if you possibly can. If you do go for wooden frames it is very important to ensure that the faces of the wood that meets the masonry is properly prepared before the frames are installed - much of the early damage to wooden frames is due to water incursion from the masonry.

 

[a twig]

Sash windows also give you the option of external shutters in the future should you ever want them, whereas in the UK all our casement windows open outwards which precludes traditional external shutters.

Although after a visit to the Bishops Palace in Wells I got very carried away by the idea of internal wooden shutters instead of curtains and it was only the calming influence of family members that stopped me spending a considerable sum with a local joiner!

 

[AureliaB]

Don't get me started on internal shutters I was all set to make them myself, or atleast have a go at them. I got told to not do it

 

[Cubist]

@a twig and @AureliaB

Harumph, its easypeasy, better to ask for forgiveness than seek permission - but don't tell the First Lady I said so.