Hardwood Windows for Period Cottage, Reading

Location: Reading

We recently designed and installed 19 hardwood windows into a charming period cottage situated in a beautiful rural Reading location.

This is a period cottage full of character and charm that is tucked away on a private road in the historic village of Wargrave in Reading, surrounded by glorious rolling countryside.

Over the years, the existing wooden windows had succumbed to various weather elements. Although the homeowners had made regular repairs and maintenance, the frames were now beyond realistic repair and not energy efficient, so they were in need of replacements.

The homeowners had lived in the period cottage for many years and loved the quintessentially cosy ambience of the period features, but they felt the rooms were too dark, so they desired more natural light.

Before contacting Thames Valley Windows for a quote to replace their existing brown wooden Georgian windows with hardwood windows, the Reading homeowners had done a lot of research on energy-efficient windows for Tudor-style period cottages.

They even got some quotes from other double-glazing companies so that they could compare window designs and prices.

Our designer Rob has many years of experience in the glazing industry. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for traditional British architecture, he is a specialist in designing timber glazing solutions for classic heritage and modern properties.

Rob contacted the homeowners to listen to their requirements and discuss available options. Rob prepared two quotes from the window dimensions and property information the Reading homeowners had provided. The first was for their preferred choice of hardwood, and the other option for comparison was for timber alternative.

After a few weeks, they contacted Rob to arrange an appointment at our Bracknell showroom, where we have a designated area for our bespoke Timber showroom.

After visiting the showroom, the homeowners had some new decisions to make on window colour as they were undecided on a pristine white or brown finish.

That vision became clearer when deciding, as they spent time driving around the local area looking at Tudor-style properties and window colours.

After much thought, they chose flush casement hardwood windows crafted in engineered European Meranti. They decided on RAL9010 white and opted for antique black handles to complement the interior period features.

All the Low ‘e’ double-glazed units and 9016 warm edge space bar provide exceptional thermal efficiency, ideal for an exposed rural location.

Flush casement windows are popular for traditional properties that feature asymmetrical designs.

Whether plain glass or with leaded light or astragal bars, these hardwood windows offer visual warmth and aesthetic compared to uPVC or aluminium, whether for a renovation project or a new build.

Sustainable, natural, and ethical, Thames Valley Timber Windows are available in the highest-grade timber engineered for their strength, longevity, stability and beauty. The woods we offer are:

Meranti is a ubiquitous hardwood that is red in colour and with a warmer textured finish with a visible wood grain. It is naturally resistant to decay and has excellent value.

Pine is an engineered softwood that is a pale colour characterised by its smooth finish with wood grain effects.

Accoya is a softwood grown from sustainable sources and treated by a modified process, making it highly resistant to rot and decay. It is the best type of timber on the market, making it more expensive.

Oak is a dense hardwood with a warm colour; it is a popular choice for residential and commercial centuries because of its long-lasting durability and outstanding thermal and acoustic insulation.

Our range of timber windows and doors is meticulously custom-made, factory-finished with four coats of microporous paint and manufactured with the state-of-the-art technology with the most spectacular attention to detail by skilful artisans.

They are combined with the best efficient double or triple glazing and draught stripping to achieve outstanding 21st-century acoustic and thermal performance.

Despite the homeowner’s concerns about how white windows might change the home’s original appearance, they advised:

We are extremely pleased with the windows. The whole process from start to finish with TVW was excellent. The wood windows have completely transformed the look of our house (in a good way!!). Changing from dark muddy brown to pristine white was a bit of a shock to the system initially, but we’re now used to it and pleased we changed.

The timeless, classic shape of the slim window frames allows natural light to flow throughout the house and offers unobstructed views of the beautiful Berkshire countryside.

The Tudor-inspired interior décor and period features capture the stunning design and the timeless charm of classic architectural design.

The low ceilings with exposed wood beams and brick fireplace are instantly recognised as the characteristics of a Tudor-style home.

On the exterior, the white hardwood windows create a dramatic but charming aesthetic between the distinctive cream render and black-painted timber beams.

We have included a ‘before’ photo with the brown Georgian windows in the gallery above.

The clients were delighted with their new white hardwood windows and complimented Thames Valley Windows’ service and commitment to their home improvement project from the initial design and quote process through to the professional installation by our skilled fitting team.

Thames Valley Windows’ partnership with some of the best window manufacturers in the glazing industry. Our reputation has been built upon designing and installing high-performance, energy-efficient windows and doors in Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey properties.

Our Bracknell showroom offers clients the opportunity to view and try out the operation of sliding sash windows, French doors, uPVC windows and living spaces.

PRODUCTS USED:

Timber Windows

You may also be interested in reading one of our blogs;

Timber Windows and doors

What is the Benefit of a Factory-Finished Timber Window?

What is the Difference Between Solid Timber and Engineered Timber?

Our ref: 32098