When Ray decided it was finally time to replace the original timber windows and doors in his 1930s Altrincham home, the brief was very clear: improve warmth, energy efficiency and security without losing the character that had made him reluctant to change them in the first place.
The original single-glazed windows had been in the property since it was built, and Ray was the last homeowner on the road to replace his. By retaining the existing styles, shapes and Georgian bar detailing as closely as possible, the project shows how an older home can be upgraded without making it look like a different house.
Project at a Glance
| Location | Altrincham |
| Property Type | 1930s home |
| Products Installed | A+ energy-rated double-glazed replacement windows and doors with upgraded security specification |
| Key Detailing | Character-matched window styles and shapes, authentic Georgian bar detailing and black window sills |
| Customer Priority | Preserve the original character while improving warmth, energy efficiency and security |
| Project Highlights | Original single-glazed timber windows replaced; traditional appearance retained; customer reports a warmer, lighter and brighter home |
The Customer Challenge
Ray's windows and doors were the originals from when the house was built in the 1930s. They were timber and single glazed, and by the time of the project they were in clear need of replacement.
The difficult part was not simply replacing old windows. Ray had deliberately held off because he did not want to lose the original character of the property. He wanted the new windows and doors to follow the same layout and style, with particular attention paid to the Georgian bar detail that formed such an important part of the house's appearance.
He also wanted the practical benefits that the old single glazing could no longer provide, particularly a warmer and more energy-efficient home.
Our Recommendation
The right approach for this home was to respect the original design rather than reinvent it. We kept the window styles, shapes and Georgian detailing as close to the originals as possible, using a more authentic Georgian bar treatment to recreate the traditional appearance.
Behind that familiar appearance, the property was upgraded from old single glazing to modern A+ energy-rated double glazing, together with our latest upgraded security specification. Black window sills were also incorporated to help retain the traditional look and tie the replacement windows into the existing brickwork and detailing.
Installation Summary
Ray had already seen The Window Company's work first-hand. His next-door neighbour had used us the previous year, and Ray had watched the installation taking place. He was particularly impressed by how tidy and organised the fitters were and by the finished result next door.
That previous project gave him confidence in what to expect when the time came to replace his own windows. For this installation, the key objective was consistent throughout: upgrade the performance of the home while keeping the visible design sympathetic to the original 1930s property.
The Finished Result
The finished house looks fresher, cleaner and brighter without losing the character that mattered so much to Ray. The new windows retain the familiar proportions and detailing of the originals, but the overall appearance is neater and more modern.
The biggest day-to-day change for Ray has been the warmth. He has also noticed that the house feels lighter, with clearer glass and more light coming into the rooms. In his words, the whole house now feels "lighter, brighter and fresher".
Before & After
Use an interactive before-and-after slider for Pairs 1 and 2 if your slider plugin supports it — these are genuinely matching viewpoints. The side-by-side layout below works as a fallback.
Full Front Elevation
Rear Window and Door Section
Wider Rear Elevation
Original Character Detail
The Georgian bar detailing was one of Ray's biggest priorities, so it's worth a closer look on its own. These two photos show the character of the original glazing alongside the new detailing — not the same window opening, but a direct comparison of the level of detail achieved.
Finished Project Gallery
Customer Q&A
What made you decide to replace your windows and doors?
Our windows and doors were in desperate need of replacing. They were the original timber windows from when the house was built in the 1930s, and we were actually the last house on the road to have ours changed. I'd been reluctant to replace them because I didn't want to lose the original character of the property, but eventually the time had come.
Why did you choose The Window Co?
Our next-door neighbour used The Window Co to replace their windows last year and they did a great job. I'd seen the installation taking place and was really impressed with how tidy and organised the fitters were while they were working. Seeing the finished result next door also gave me confidence, so I already knew that when the time came to replace ours, I wanted to use The Window Co.
What was most important to you when choosing the new products?
The most important thing was keeping the same layout, style and character as the original windows and doors, while obviously making the house warmer and more energy efficient. I wanted the new windows to match the originals as closely as possible, particularly the Georgian bar detail. The Window Co uses a more authentic Georgian bar, which really helped recreate the look of the original timber windows.
What do you like most about the finished result?
I love how much fresher the whole house looks. When I drive up the driveway now, everything just looks cleaner, brighter and tidier. The new windows are very similar to the originals in terms of their design, which was important to me, but everything now looks much neater and more modern without changing the character of the house.
What difference have you noticed since the installation?
The biggest difference is how much warmer the house feels. We've also noticed how much more light seems to come into the house. There's more glass, and the new glass is so much clearer and brighter than the old windows. It's made the whole house feel lighter, brighter and fresher.
From Wayne
Ray's home is a great example of how replacing old windows doesn't have to mean changing the character of a property.
These were the original single-glazed timber windows dating back to the 1930s, and Ray had understandably been reluctant to replace them. He was the last person on the road to have his windows changed, so getting the design right and keeping the original appearance of the house was really important.
We kept the window styles, shapes and Georgian bar detailing as close to the originals as possible while upgrading everything behind the appearance. Ray has gone from old single glazing to modern A+ energy-rated double glazing, together with our latest upgraded security specification. We also incorporated black window sills to help retain that traditional appearance and tie everything together.
For me, that's what makes this project memorable. It wasn't about making the house look completely different. It was about respecting what was already there and recreating those original details as closely as possible, while giving Ray all the benefits of a modern installation.
It was also great that Ray had already seen our work first-hand at his next-door neighbour's property. He'd seen the finished job and the way our installers worked, so he knew the standard he could expect from us before we ever started on his own home.
The lesson for anyone with a period or character property is that replacement doesn't have to mean compromise. If the design is approached properly, you can improve warmth, security and energy efficiency while still respecting the style of the house. That's the approach we've always believed in at The Window Company, and after nearly 40 years it's still at the heart of how we work.
Products Used
- A+ energy-rated double-glazed replacement windows
- Replacement doors
- Authentic Georgian bar detailing
- Upgraded security specification
- Black window sills
Project Location: Altrincham
This project was completed for a customer in Altrincham. If you're considering replacement windows or doors for a character property in the area, take a look at our windows and doors in Altrincham page for more on the products and services we offer locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can old windows be replaced without losing the character of a 1930s home?
That was the central aim of this Altrincham project. The new windows followed the original styles, shapes and Georgian detailing as closely as possible so the house could be upgraded without losing the appearance Ray valued.
Why was the Georgian bar detail so important?
Ray specifically wanted the replacement windows to resemble the original timber windows. The more authentic Georgian bar treatment helped recreate that traditional look.
What performance upgrade did the property receive?
The original single-glazed timber windows were replaced with modern A+ energy-rated double glazing, together with The Window Company's upgraded security specification.
Did the customer notice a difference after the installation?
Yes. Ray says the biggest difference is how much warmer the house feels. He also says the home feels lighter and brighter because of the clearer new glass and increased glazed area.
Why did Ray choose The Window Company?
His next-door neighbour had used The Window Company the previous year. Ray had seen the installation taking place, was impressed by how tidy and organised the fitters were, and liked the finished result.
Related
Thinking About Replacing Windows in a Character Property?
If you live in Altrincham or the surrounding area and you're thinking about replacing older windows or doors but want to keep the character of your home, we're always happy to talk through the options. You can visit our showroom, send us a few photographs or arrange a quotation and we'll help you find a design that feels right for the property.