The Sycamores, Matlock - Timber windows and doors case study

Timber Window Project: Restoring Charm to a Matlock Cottage

Discover how Gowercroft successfully transformed Robert Jones's quaint stone cottage in Matlock with high-quality timber windows and doors.

A Challenging Derbyshire Cottage

When Robert Jones approached Gowercroft for his cottage renovation in Matlock, they faced an intriguing challenge. His 200-square-meter, 5-bedroom cottage nestled into a Derbyshire hillside, offering stunning countryside views. The property had three stories at the front but only one at the rear, with the ground floor patio situated atop an integral garage.

Robert aimed to breathe new life into the neglected property by undertaking a comprehensive refit, including new electrics, bathrooms, stairs, carpets, roofing, garage, and replacement doors and windows. He sought a renovation that honoured the local aesthetics, using durable traditional materials like English slate for the roof and energy-efficient timber windows and patio doors to maximise the scenic vistas.

Meeting the Challenge

Access to the property posed a considerable challenge due to its location on a sharp bend with a steep incline at the end of a winding country road. The installation of oversized windows and doors seemed daunting, but Gowercroft embraced the challenges with creative solutions.

Gowercroft crafted and installed eleven Hardwick flush casement windows, a Peveril lift and slide patio door, two floor-to-ceiling fixed light windows, an Accoya® front door, and a timber Melbourne stable door at the side. The lift and slide patio doors and glazed screens had to feature 6mm-thick glass to ensure structural integrity, making each unit weigh approximately 200 kilograms.

Given the size and weight of the units, manual handling was impractical. Gowercroft enlisted a specialist contractor with a telehandler to navigate the steep drive and hoist the units into place. Additional personnel joined the effort.

"The job demanded teamwork, meticulous planning, and coordination with the ongoing building work as we removed the old windows and adjusted the existing openings," Robert explained.

Exceeding Expectations

Throughout the installation, unforeseen challenges arose, including the need to cut away patio paving slabs blocking the original patio doors and repositioning the door frame to accommodate the new Accoya® front door. Gowercroft even provided window boards for the new openings.

Robert praised the Gowercroft team for their exceptional dedication and problem-solving attitude, stating, "I can't speak highly enough of the Gowercroft team. They tackled every obstacle and challenge with a 'can-do' spirit."

Gowercroft's commitment to quality craftsmanship and their ability to navigate complex installations allowed Robert Jones to transform his Matlock cottage into a charming and energy-efficient retreat that perfectly complements its picturesque surroundings.