For listed buildings or homes set in conservation areas, rules are strict on renovations and upgrades, with owners needing special permission from local planning authorities.
But often these homes are hundreds of years old and in desperate need of restoration.
This is where specialist companies come in — and they are often vital to a renovation project.
They have the skills and expertise needed, alongside Listed Building Consent and conservation special control knowledge, to fulfil specialist projects with much less stress for home owners.
Timber Windows is one such company, with showrooms across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
The company was brought in to sympathetically replace a period property's old single-glazed windows, which, albeit not a listed building, still required the skill and sympathy needed for centuries-old features.
The property is an elegant Georgian home set in a picturesque village near Tewkesbury, with features dating back to the 1600s and significant developments carried out through both the Regency and Victorian periods.
Its owners, Jennifer and Anthony Goodfell, selected Timber Windows to bring a light touch to the property, with the brief kept simple yet meticulous — the feature windows needing replacing but they had to be an exact match to the original, with a complete 21st-century upgrade.
No mean feat on a period property with potentially centuries-old frames and glazing.
Alex Lane, manager at Timber Windows, said: 'With origins to the 1600s and the reign of James I, the importance of the façade can’t be understated in its prominent corner position within the village — and the house is known to have served a number of purposes within the community over the centuries.
'The old windows were well maintained and appeared ok on the surface, but the boxes were found to be rotten once removed.'
Slim, sash windows were chosen to fit seamlessly into the property's original exterior and period heritage.
Alex continued: 'These striking windows are hung on traditional cords and weights, finished in a colour complementary to Farrow & Ball's White Tie paint and accompanied by brass hardware.'
Internally, the finish of every window was crafted to match each room, such as the natural wood of the dining room's sash, which was finished in a light oak stain to echo the decor of the space.
Owner Jennifer commented: 'From our first contact visiting the Cheltenham showroom, the process has been first-rate.
'The surveyor’s meticulous attention to detail was very impressive. The fitting team were simply excellent, working in some very challenging areas, among historic shutters and architrave, preserving them all perfectly.'
In terms of helping to bring the home's energy efficiency rating up, Jennifer commented: 'We hadn’t appreciated the difference it would make in terms of insulation.'
Replacing the home's windows not only increased the warmth of the house and reduced draughts for the current owners but also added years of longevity for any future custodians of the historic property to enjoy for many more decades to come.
To arrange a design consultation for your home, call Timber Windows on 01285 653999 or visit timberwindows.com.
