Project description
When it was first built in the 1880s, ropes and pullies were in daily use in this building on Cumberland Road, Southwold. Located close to the famous Adnams Brewery, it was home to one of the town’s main ropemaking businesses serving the fishing and maritime industry. Today, the only cords and pulleys that feature are in the new George Barnsdale sliding sash windows!
Cumberland Road in Southwold is a row of five 3 storey Victorian townhouses that were converted from the original warehouse by a wealthy ship owner/entrepreneur. Legend has it he gave one home to each of his unmarried daughters. Today, one of these houses has been extensively renovated from top to bottom by its current owners.
The current owners moved to the property from London following a two year renovation project which saw them strip the building back to bare brick to install modern insulation and underfloor heating. Alongside a new roof, the couple also opted for new timber windows front and back.
Since the property is in a conservation area, planning permission was required for the windows and this was managed by George Barnsdale’s Approved Partner, Excell Timber Windows. Planning restrictions meant they had to have historic style sash windows with putty glazed narrow double glazing at the front of the building. However, they were able to have standard double glazed units at the back of the property.
George Barnsdale’s Approved Partner, Excell Timber Windows, were the perfect choice for this project. The complex survey and installation process meant that paying close attention to the clients needs was essential. Excell’s attention to detail meant they were able to adhere to the client’s requests, whilst ensuring every last detail was considered.
Since the property is close to the sea, FSC®certified Accoya® timber was specified which has Class 1 durability. It doesn’t rot or warp which means it also provides an excellent base for coatings because it doesn’t move. George Barnsdale designed the windows at the front of the property with a historic style profile and slim lambs tongue bars. There is also a putty style finish, making them authentic and entirely sympathetic to the original building.
The couple have added a large extension on the rear of the property to create a modern kitchen/dining area and utility/boot room. With its Crittal windows, this modern sleek extension cleverly contrasts with the early Victorian style of the original building without jarring.
In order to save some of their budget, the owners opted for spiral balanced sliding sash windows at the back of the property. The front of the property has retained the traditional cord and pulley system.
The property is close to the church, which rings its bells every hour, 200m from the sea with noisy seagulls and opposite an arts centre. This can make it quite noisy for residents but the soundproofing provided by the new windows is excellent.
The sound proofing is fantastic. As soon as you close the front door, it feels like you are in a cocoon of peace and quiet. It’s also no longer draughty and the house stays much warmer.
Homeowner
In terms of thermal performance, the owners are also delighted. “We turned the heating off in March and we haven’t needed it since despite it being chilly at times and being so close to the sea,” they said.
When it comes to security, the windows are PAS24 and Secured by Design compliant. The ability to lock the windows in a “partially open” position appeals to the owners since they can leave them open without having to worry about people accessing the property.
The owners of this property were introduced to George Barnsdale windows and installer Excell by a nearby resident. They say they too wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to friends and neighbours. After the demise of the rope making craft in the area, it’s good to see there is still an appreciation for British craftsmenship in this beautiful Suffolk coastal town.
