Bespoke Timber Windows and Doors for a Traditional Exmoor Cottage Near Lynton and Lynmouth
We were commissioned to manufacture and install a complete package of bespoke hardwood windows and doors for Primrose Cottage, a traditional holiday cottage near Lynton and Lynmouth within Exmoor National Park.
The project included six flush casement windows, a bespoke stable door, a new entrance door and refurbishment of an existing porch door. The owners wanted to improve comfort, energy efficiency and security while preserving the character of the cottage and ensuring the replacement joinery remained sympathetic to its Exmoor setting.
With difficult access via a footbridge across the East Lyn River and careful consideration required due to the property's location within Exmoor National Park, the project presented both practical and technical challenges.
The Brief
The original windows and doors had reached the end of their serviceable life and were no longer performing efficiently. The owners wanted replacement joinery that would improve comfort and reduce heat loss while remaining faithful to the appearance of the cottage.
The project also provided an opportunity to address a number of unsympathetic alterations. One section of the property contained replacement windows dating from the 1980s which did not reflect the proportions and detailing found elsewhere in the cottage.
As part of the survey process, every opening was individually measured and detailed survey drawings were prepared to ensure the replacement joinery accurately reflected the character of the original building.
The owners worked closely with Exmoor National Park Authority to ensure the proposed replacements remained sympathetic to the character of the property and its surroundings.
Kitchen "Before and After"
Access Challenges
One of the most unusual aspects of this project was access.
Primrose Cottage sits beside the East Lyn River and can only be reached via a pedestrian footbridge near the Rockford Inn. Vehicle access to the property is not possible.
Every window, door, tool and piece of equipment had to be unloaded at the roadside before being carried across the bridge by hand. By the time the first window was fitted, the team had already completed a workout.
While this required additional planning and handling, it is representative of the type of access challenges often encountered when working on period and rural properties throughout Exmoor.
Our Approach
Following a detailed site survey, we manufactured and installed:
- Six bespoke flush casement windows
- One bespoke hardwood stable door
- One hardwood entrance door
- Refurbishment and new locking arrangements to an existing porch door
The windows and doors were manufactured from durable hardwood. While Accoya would also have been an excellent choice, hardwood was selected as it offered an excellent balance of durability, stability and value for this particular project.
The doors were finished in a colour matched equivalent to Farrow & Ball Purbeck Stone No.275, while the windows were finished in a colour matched equivalent to Farrow & Ball Wevet No.273. Together, these colours create a soft, traditional appearance that complements the character of the cottage and its Exmoor setting.
Traditional scratch bead detailing was incorporated into the jambs and mullions to reflect the original joinery. Particular attention was paid to preserving the proportions and appearance of the existing windows so that the replacements remained visually faithful to the historic character of the property.
The 1980s replacement windows were removed and replaced with bespoke timber windows designed to match the detailing and proportions found elsewhere on the cottage, creating a more consistent appearance throughout.
Modern energy-efficient double glazing was incorporated within the new timber frames. This improves comfort and thermal performance while maintaining the traditional appearance expected of a property within Exmoor National Park.
The aim was simple: anyone walking the nearby footpath should see a cottage that still looks entirely authentic, while the owners benefit from the performance expected of modern timber windows and doors.
Client Feedback
★★★★★
"Graham and his team were outstanding from the first meeting to completion of our project. We have a small cottage with difficult access in Exmoor that had old doors and windows, which were anything but energy efficient. We had to replicate the windows exactly as we are in a National Park but wanted to make them double glazed to improve our energy consumption. Not only do the doors and windows look incredible, they are beautifully made with high quality materials, and are already saving us money on the heating bill :) The entire team is also lovely to work with, accommodating, respectful, and highly skilled. Highly recommend!"
Key Project Details
- Location - Near Lynton & Lynmouth, Exmoor National Park
- Property Type - Traditional Holiday Cottage
- Joinery Installed - 6 Flush Casement Windows, Stable Door, Entrance Door
- Material - Durable Hardwood
- Glazing - Energy-Efficient Double Glazing
- Finish - Colour matched to Farrow & Ball Wevet No.273 and Purbeck Stone No.275
- Special Considerations - Footbridge Access, Exmoor National Park Setting
Looking for Bespoke Timber Windows and Doors on Exmoor?
We manufacture and install bespoke timber windows and doors throughout Exmoor, Lynton, Lynmouth, Brendon, North Devon, Mid Devon and West Somerset.
If you are planning a cottage renovation, period property refurbishment or replacement window and door project, we'd be pleased to discuss your requirements.
