I am in the process of trying to restore a Cumbrian farmhouse that has been much tampered with over the years. My current problem is the windows. The house itself dates from around 1700 with 19th and 20th century modifications and, while it is not listed, I would like timber windows in a suitable style, but double-glazed and made to last with little maintenance. It would also be nice to clean the upstairs windows from the outside. Most of the existing windows were installed in the 1970's and are single glazed storm casements in painted softwood, much of which has rotted. The windows at the front of the house have glazing bars and are painted white. The windows at the back of the house are not "on show" and do not currently have glazing bars and my inclination is to continue that approach. My problem is that 90% of window suppliers in the region just want to talk UPVC. There are one or two who might do timber, but only in treated softwood or tropical hardwood - oak doesn't seem to be an option.
Two questions:
1) Does anyone have suggestions on a suitable style that is consistent with modern living requirements?
2) Is there any experience of suppliers in the area (or further away) who might be able to help?
Two questions:
1) Does anyone have suggestions on a suitable style that is consistent with modern living requirements?
2) Is there any experience of suppliers in the area (or further away) who might be able to help?