Window on the World – Live Magazines
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A property that looked dark and outdated has been transformed into a beautiful, light and airy family home, thanks to contemporary new windows that enhance the character and heritage of this country cottage.
Three years ago, graphic designer Rob Walmsley and his wife, Jenni, a primary school teacher moved into their present home – a lovely double-fronted, stone cottage, which was built in 1903.
“I think when we first viewed the house, we could both instantly see the potential,” recalls Rob.
The house needed refurbishing in terms of decorating, new carpets and bespoke furniture, but the main worry for Rob and Jenni were the dated, dark wood windows – many of which were not particularly functional.
“Overall, the experience we’ve had with Whalley Home Improvements has been faultless.”
The couple, who now have an 11-month-old son, were concerned that the existing windows would be a safety hazard as they weren’t child-friendly: “The windows were old, so we knew we needed to install new ones,” explains Rob.
The couple approached three local companies, including Whalley Home Improvements which was founded by skilled carpenter Graham Fielden and Emma Hodgkinson, who previously worked for world-renowned Ultraframe in Clitheroe.
Rob and Jenni asked each company for a quote to replace all the windows in their three-bedroomed home – a total of 11 windows plus a door.
“Whalley Home Improvements were clearly the most efficient in terms of visiting us, giving us advice, sending out the quote and following it up. Their quote was also considerably less than the others too,” add Rob and Jenni, who opted for Timberlook energy efficient uPVC wood effect frames in Agate grey. Timberlook replicates the minimalist style of original heritage flush casement designs which are ideal for period projects as well as more contemporary properties.
“They have a modern look but still uphold the heritage of a traditional sash window. They were definitely the best choice in terms of fitting in with the property. Emma from Whalley Home Improvements was fantastic – she also advised on the Agate colour and a matching colour on the Rockdoor we had chosen,” explains Rob.
When work was due to start on the project Rob and Jenni were concerned about how much disruption there would be, but their worries were unfounded, as Jenni explains: “The team from Whalley Home Improvements are genuinely brilliant! They were so professional, they came when they said they would and there was very little disruption.
“With a seven-month-old baby and a dog it could have been quite stressful, but the team worked around us – even to the extent that they worked downstairs when the baby was having a nap upstairs.
“Three different teams of fitters speeded up the process – it worked perfectly.”
Rob and Jenni are delighted with their smart, new-look windows and door that give the house a stylish edge both inside and out.
To the exterior the neat pale grey flush frames sit perfectly giving the cottage a real heritage feel, while inside the interiors of the frames are white, giving each room a bright and airy atmosphere.
“While we are style-conscious, we wanted windows that would last — and in terms of kerb appeal it has made a tremendous difference!”
White shutter-style blinds complement the frames along with plain white walls – creating the perfect backdrop for Rob and Jenni’s design-led furniture and lighting.
“We originally got the white blinds to try to hide the original dark wood window frames,” says Rob.
“But they work perfectly with the new white window frames.”
One of the main reasons Rob and Jenni turned to Whalley Home Improvements was Graham and Emma’s vast industry experience, along with their skilled team of trusted installers and craftsmen.
“We were a little unsure when choosing the colour of the frames, but Emma encouraged us to take away samples and brochures from the showroom. She gave us her advice and was with us every step of the way. She would visit us regularly on-site to see if there was anything she could do and how things were progressing,” recall Rob and Jenni.
“If ever we come to sell the house, installing the new windows and Rockdoor will have undoubtedly added value to the property.
“While we are style-conscious we wanted windows that would last – and in terms of kerb appeal it has made a tremendous difference!
“Overall, the experience we’ve had with Whalley Home Improvements has been faultless. We are both really happy with the end result!”
Categories: News
Tags: heritage homes, windows
