BRINGING LIGHT INTO A HISTORIC COTTAGE
Abbey Farm Cottage stands in historic Thornton Abbey, named after the magnificent 12th-century Thornton Abbey, and like its illustrious neighbour, this characterful property bears the unmistakable marks of time. The cottage required complete window replacement throughout, presenting an opportunity to transform both its appearance and livability whilst respecting its historic setting.
The existing windows restricted natural light and failed to meet modern performance standards. The replacement windows needed to complement the cottage’s heritage Abbey whilst dramatically improving light transmission and providing emergency egress from every room.
THE CHALLENGE
The project required careful consideration of several factors:
- Maximising natural light throughout the cottage
- Creating authentic Georgian-style windows appropriate to the cottage’s age
- Providing full-height opening sashes for fire safety compliance in every room
- Achieving modern thermal performance standards
- Maintaining clean, proportionate glazing lines throughout
Before - the window frames were rotten and mismatched
OUR SOLUTION
We designed bespoke Georgian-style windows that would transform the cottage’s appearance whilst meeting all practical requirements. The key innovation was removing traditional mullions and the extra top and bottom rails from the sashes, creating full-height opening windows that flood the interior with natural light.
Each window was carefully crafted to provide maximum glazing area whilst maintaining authentic Georgian proportions. The sashes were manufactured to the full height of each opening, creating beautifully balanced panes and clean sight lines that respect the property’s heritage setting.
Our craftsmen precision-machined the frames and assembled the sashes using traditional joinery methods. Each window was fitted with Georgian double-glazed units in 4/16/4 specification, comprising toughened K glass with warm-edge spacer bars and argon filling, achieving a U-value of 1.4 – meeting minimum thermal performance requirements whilst maintaining period authenticity.
The windows were finished in ‘Brocklesby White’ with our signature spray finish, creating a flawless surface that enhances the cottage’s traditional character. Traditional brass ironmongery throughout ensures authentic detailing and smooth, reliable operation.
The full-height sashes provide wide opening capabilities, creating compliant fire escape routes from every room – a crucial safety feature achieved without compromising the windows’ heritage appearance.
THE RESULT
The transformation of Abbey Farm Cottage demonstrates how thoughtful design can honour historic context whilst dramatically improving functionality. The removal of mullions and additional sash rails has created windows with beautifully proportioned panes and clean glazing lines that allow light to pour into previously dim interior spaces.
The cottage now sits comfortably in its historic setting near Thornton Abbey, with windows that reflect the Georgian heritage of the area whilst providing contemporary performance. The combination of authentic craftsmanship, traditional materials and modern glazing technology has created windows that enhance both the cottage’s character and its comfort.
Most remarkably, the practical improvements – increased natural light, improved thermal efficiency, and fire safety compliance – have been achieved whilst maintaining complete visual harmony with the cottage’s heritage setting. Abbey Farm Cottage now offers the best of both worlds: the charm of a historic property with the safety and comfort standards expected of a modern home.
