Restoring an Edwardian Bay Window in Woodhall Spa
Some windows just have presence. This Edwardian bay in Woodhall Spa is one of them. Hidden under tired paint, failing putty, and a few decades of neglect was a beautifully made piece of joinery, still standing strong and absolutely worth saving. My job was to bring it back to life without losing the character that makes these old homes special.
Stripping Back to the Truth
The first step was a full strip down. Old coatings came off, joints were assessed, and the sashes and frame were checked for structural integrity. Edwardian timber is usually superb quality, and this one didn’t disappoint. Most of the work was conservation rather than replacement.
Where there was decay, I carefully removed anything unsound and rebuilt using resin conservation techniques. Dry Flex 4 is my go-to for this sort of work because it bonds beautifully, lasts for years, and means I can retain as much original timber as possible.
Draught Proofing and Double Glazing: Comfort Without Compromise
Once the repairs were complete, the sashes were precision-refitted with discreet brush seals to cut out draughts and rattles – a small upgrade that makes a huge difference in day-to-day living.
The biggest transformation came from retrofitting slimline heritage double glazing supplied by Heritage Slimline. These units slot into the existing sashes with no change to the external appearance, but the boost in thermal and acoustic performance is immediate. Warm room, quiet nights, lower bills. No plastic in sight.
Traditional Details, Modern Performance
I always try to keep things in keeping with the original period. This bay now has new brass pulleys and period-appropriate furniture, chosen to match what would have originally been there.
Everything was then hand-finished in Teknos Traffic White (RAL 9016). It’s a crisp, clean finish that suits Edwardian joinery beautifully and gives long-lasting protection against the weather.
A Little Bit of Joinery History
During restorations like this, I still use a tradition that goes back hundreds of years: Roman numeral marking.
Before power tools, joiners marked sashes, shutters, and frame components with chisel-cut numerals so they could be dismantled in the workshop and reassembled on site in the exact same order.
Straight lines, easy to cut, impossible to rub off.
On this bay, mine ran:
Top row: I to V
Bottom row: VI to X
It’s a tiny detail, but it’s part of a long line of heritage practice that keeps the craft authentic. When you see “IIII” instead of “IV”, it isn’t a mistake. It’s tradition, speed, and the shorthand of generations of craftsmen.
The Finished Result
Once everything was rebuilt, balanced, glazed, sealed, and painted, the bay window was back to the showpiece it was meant to be. From the outside, it looks original. From the inside, it feels like a modern window. Best of both worlds.
Heritage preserved. Comfort upgraded. Job done.
Sash Man 