Reviving a period home in Woodbridge with Evolution windows and doors
Giving an 18th-century Suffolk home a new lease of life
Originally built in 1740, this traditional long house in Woodbridge has evolved through several generations of additions and alterations, including work carried out during the Georgian and Victorian eras. When Felix and Jade became its latest custodians three and a half years ago, they were immediately drawn to its individual character, unusual details and beautiful setting.
The house was full of charm, but it also needed considerable care and attention to realise its potential. As part of a wider programme of restoration, Felix and Jade set about improving the property while preserving the qualities that had first made them fall in love with it. With many of the existing windows warped or cracked, replacing them became an important part of this project.
The couple wanted a consistent new look that would remain sympathetic to the house, while offering the warmth, security and ease of maintenance expected from modern windows.
Finding the right windows and doors for a period property
Having spotted The Burgess Group’s showroom in Notcutts Garden Centre, Felix and Jade visited to explore their options. They were impressed by the quality of the products, the standard of installation and the expert design advice available to guide them through the process. For a house with such a distinctive history, getting the details right was essential. From the design and colour to the fixtures and fittings, each decision helped create a cohesive look that respects the property’s heritage while bringing it up to date.
Their choice was Evolution PVCu windows and doors, a timber alternative range designed to recreate the character and finer details of traditional timber joinery while offering the practical benefits of modern materials. PVCu offered the low-maintenance solution Felix and Jade wanted, with added thermal efficiency and security to help make their historic home warmer, more comfortable and secure.
Low maintenance flush casement windows
Designed to echo the finer details of traditional timber joinery, the Evolution flush casement windows complement the property’s architecture while creating a fresh, contemporary appearance.
Felix & Jade chose to colour-match the exterior to Farrow & Ball Green Smoke with a white interior. The durable, scratch-resistant, wood-textured foil finish offers straightforward upkeep, whilst easy-clean hinges make routine maintenance simpler by improving access to the external glass. Heritage-style black, wrought iron bulb-end handles complete the look, adding an authentic finishing touch.
Together, these details combine the character of traditional windows with the modern thermal performance the couple wanted for a warmer, more comfortable home.
After a couple of years, the windows are performing very well. The insulation and solar gain have surpassed expectations, with heating bills sharply lower.
Traditional entrance doors with modern security
Felix and Jade wanted their new doors to match the windows while giving them greater peace of mind. Beneath the traditional styling, Evolution doors offer multi-point locking systems, helping the couple feel more confident in their home.
The couple chose Evolution stormproof entrance doors in the Ashwell design with some of the doors feature clear glazed panels, allowing more natural light into the house. Black, heritage-style cast wrought iron lever handles provide an elegant finishing touch, complementing the window furniture.
With a stormproof construction, designed to withstand the elements with minimal maintenance, these doors a practical choice for everyday living.
French doors with a connection to the outdoors
The Charlton design French doors offer a more contemporary take on the originals. Where the previous doors featured numerous astragal glazing bars, the new, uninterrupted glazing creates a cleaner finish and opens up views of the beautifully landscaped garden.
To make the most of these views and improve access to the garden, Felix and Jade chose to transform an existing window opening into an additional set of doors, complete with matching side panels. Meanwhile, low thresholds, matching those of the entrance doors, make it easier to move between the inside and out.
Together, these design choices bring a lighter, more open feel while retaining the traditional character of this home.
Results that speak for themselves
The new windows and doors have made a real difference to Felix and Jade’s home. Brighter and smarter in appearance, the house now feels like a new home, while retaining the distinctive character that first drew them to it.
Just as importantly, the couple can enjoy a home that feels warmer, more secure and free from draughts. The traditional designs preserve its period charm, while delivering the benefits of modern windows and doors.
Throughout the project, Felix and Jade also valued the quality of service, from our expert installers to the friendly sales and operation teams. As they put it:
A really premium service, run with honesty and integrity. Cheaper quotes from larger competitors are a false-economy.
Choosing PVCu windows and doors for a period home
Choosing PVCu windows for an older home doesn’t have to mean compromising on character. As Felix and Jade’s home demonstrates, the right design can complement traditional architecture while delivering the comfort, security and practicality of modern windows.
Evolution PVCu windows and doors combine the appearance of traditional timber joinery with the benefits of modern materials, offering a considered alternative for homeowners looking to update a period property.
If you’re exploring options for your own home, discover more about our Evolution windows and doors or visit one of our showrooms to discuss your project with our team.
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