cellar window

[Juju]

Our surveyor suggested we replace this window to the cellar. The previous occupants removed the glass I guess as they had a tumble dryer in the cellar (but we don't) and had to vent it (hence the strange worm-like thing on the left!). So there's ventilation (well not much as there is a lean to room around the window) but no heat down there. We have active woodworm in the cellar ceiling joists so need to improve the temperature down there.

Obviously we need to take advice from the CO but any suggestions on whether it can be repaired (rather than replaced) and could it be made to open once glazed so we can get ventilation down there in the summer when the lean-to door is open? Presumably a good joiner could slot some opening casements within the frame? The wood is a mix of very soft and hard so hopefully sections could be saved. Another problem of course is the cables coming through the left hand side.

Anyway, now that I've learned how to post photos thanks to Nemesis' recent posting, I just thought I'd include this for some ideas from the window experts!
Juju

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[middi]

Beautiful old window, restore as much as you can and replace as little as possible.

 

[Penners]

I agree with Middi. It's a lovely old frame. It looks like oak - is it?

You say there are soft parts and hard parts - are the five main members good and solid? If so, then you could consider getting a steel casement made (or two if you want both sides to open). If you could afford leaded membranes for the casement(s) and/or the fixed light this would look wonderful.

 

[Juju]

I think it might be oak, Penners. I'm not too good on identification of wood but it's a silvery colour and doesn't look like pine to me. I like the idea of metal casements as the upstairs windows at the front of the house are metal too. Eventually we'll also replace the lean-to around the cellar window with something nicer than the upvc and plastic roofing job the previous owners did...

What's the best treatment for external bare wooden timber lintels? Ours are in reasonable condition but I wasn't sure if they needed a coat of something suitable occasionally. Probably this has been discussed before so I'll do a search.

 

[R King]

We have a very similar window in our cellar. It does not appear to have ever been glazed, but the previous occupants put secondary glazing behind this original window. Could you repair your window and also put secondary glazing behind it?

 

[Penners]

What's the best treatment for external bare wooden timber lintels?

If they're oak, and good heartwood, you don't need to treat them. Or you could give them a good dose of linseed oil.