Window dilemma

[MrsSharp]

We live in an old cottage (about 300 years old). I've never "loved" our windows...they're fine but they are dark wood frames with leaded glass. I think the combination of dark frames and leaded glass contributes to making some of the rooms feeling quite dark. (They aren't the original windows - I understand why previous owner put these in - there is a small original window in our hallway which is leaded - which obviously we aren't going to change.)

We need to replace 8 panes of glass as either the double glazing seals have gone or they are cracked. We don't know whether we take this opportunity to paint the frames and/or change all the glass or not.

Our options are:

1. Keep the dark frames and leaded glass just do a straight replacement of the 8 windows - like for like. Cheapest quote is £500.
   
2. Keep the leaded glass, just replace the faulty 8 and paint the frames cream inside and out. There are houses like that in the village. That would probably cost approx. £2k.
   
3. Change all the glass for plain glass and paint the frames cream inside and out. There are also houses like that in the village. Would cost appox £3k.
   

I've checked with the Planning Office, and they are happy for me to do any option.

Trouble is I can't get the windows to look exactly as I'd like - which would be the normal two pieces of glass per unit. Not sure if I'm explaining myself...the windows with a cross bar in the middle. There is no way we can justify changing the frames, and we can't retro-fit a wooden cross bar.

So.....what would you do? Do you think it looks okay to have large plain glass wondows in an old cottage? Do you think it is worth it in the first place?

[lalalonglegs]

I'm really surprised your cottage isn't listed but why not speak to the conservation officer and get his or her idea of what would look right if you're not sure.

It's hard for us to say what would look right without seeing the cottage - if it's about 300 years old, leaded lights might be the way to go. Getting the wrong windows always jars, imo.

[MrsSharp]

We were surprised also - as is every builder/painter who has come round to quote. It is a conservation area, and many of the houses are listed. But ours isn't. Maybe because it had an extension in early 1980's? I don't know?

Anyway, I may well speak to Conservation Officer - hadn't thought of that. I agree - wrong windows do jar. These jar!

Think it's because no-one else in the village has dark frames.

[MrsSharp]

Thanks Sooz. I don't think that would work in our case, as I want to have cream window frames (and have flexibility of changing colour if desired), and also not sure how people would feel about plastic bar on period windows.

It's so difficult to decide what to do! I'll try and put some pics up tomorrow.

[GrendelsMum]

I think that plain windows sound as though they might look quite dreadful in a 18th century cottage. TBH, I don't think that two panes of glass per unit would look appropriate either. Windows do make a big difference to the kerb appeal of a house, and the eventual selling price (I know it's your home, but you do have to think about the eventual sale, I think)

Why don't you just try painting them cream now and see what effect it has? If it solves the problem, then you don't need to spend money replacing all teh windows.

There's a really interesting guide to historic windows here, which might give you some ideas about windows that would be appropriate.

www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/media/pdf/7/8/Historic_Window_Guide.pdf

[MrsSharp]

GrendelsMum - Thanks so much for that link. I think you're right about plain windows not looking right, that's probably why I haven't made the decision already. It's just when I'm looking at the windows in their current state, I just know that they don't look right rather than being able to put my finger on exactly what it is that is wrong. I think because so many of the seals have gone and panes are cracked, the glass doesn't look great, but maybe once those are replaced with like-for-like, it wil look much better. I think I may have made up my mind then....paint the frames, and just replace the duff panes. Phew.....!

Good god!!! If I am unable to make this call...how on earth am I going to make all the other decisions that are on my to do list - new kitchen, new curtains, which doors, which bathroom suite....?!!!! I'm bored of myself and my procrastinating already!