Traditional Box Sash Windows North Devon | Conservation Area Specialists

Traditional hardwood sash window installed in North Devon Victorian home

Traditional Box Sash Windows Made for a Victorian Property in North Devon Conservation Area

Period properties deserve windows that respect their history while still meeting modern expectations for warmth, efficiency and durability.

We were recently commissioned to manufacture and install two new traditional box sash windows for a Victorian terraced property in North Devon, located within a conservation area.

The existing windows had reached the point where repair was no longer economically viable. The client wanted replacements that would remain true to the original character of the building while also introducing the benefits of modern double glazing.

This project was a perfect example of how traditional joinery techniques can work alongside modern materials to create windows that look authentic while performing far better than their original counterparts.

Retaining Traditional Character

Because the property sits within a conservation area, maintaining the original appearance of the windows was extremely important.

The client worked with an architect who liaised with the local conservation officer before our work began to ensure everything met the necessary requirements.

Our replacement windows were built using:

Traditional timber box sash frames
Authentic weight and pulley mechanisms
Durable hardwood construction
Satin brass fittings
Original external moulding profiles retained wherever possible
Traditional glazing bar aesthetics

From the street, the windows look exactly as they should on a Victorian property.

Traditional Weights and Pulleys – Built the Right Way

One of the defining features of a genuine box sash window is its operating system.

Rather than modern spring balances, these windows use traditional weights and pulleys—exactly as they would have done during the Victorian era.

This tried-and-tested method offers:

Smooth operation
Long-term reliability
Easy maintenance
Authentic heritage detailing

When built correctly, traditional sash windows can last for generations.

Slim Double Glazing for Period Properties

One of the biggest challenges with period windows is improving thermal performance without compromising appearance.

For this project, we used low sightline slim double glazed units, specifically designed to fit into smaller timber rebates.

This allowed us to maintain:

Slim glazing bars
Traditional proportions
Authentic sightlines

The units also included:

Planitherm energy-saving glass coating
Gas-filled cavities for improved insulation

To maximise longevity, each unit was carefully installed using suitable glazing silicone before being finished with a non-linseed oil putty once fully cured.

This approach helps give the sealed units the best possible chance of a long service life.

Traditional Joinery Methods That Stand the Test of Time

At our workshop, we still rely on proven joinery techniques that have stood the test of time.

These windows were manufactured using traditional mortice and tenon construction, creating strong, durable joints designed to last.

Good joinery isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about doing the fundamentals exceptionally well.

Fully Factory Finished for Better Protection

One thing that sets our windows apart is our finishing process.

Before installation, every window is fully painted in controlled workshop conditions using a spray-applied Teknos coating system.

This ensures every surface is properly protected before the windows ever leave our workshop.

The result:

Better coverage
Better durability
Better long-term protection against the Devon weather

Certified Installation

As a CERTASS certified installer, we’re able to self-certify the technical side of our installations, giving customers confidence that their new windows meet current regulations.