Stable Conversion Window and Door Upgrade in Conservation Area, Henley-on-Thames
Bespoke Timber Windows & Doors for Heritage Properties
This charming stable conversion in Henley-on-Thames sits within a conservation area beside a historic manor house. While full of character—with low oak beams and traditional rural features—the property had originally been fitted with standard off-the-shelf builder’s windows during the conversion.
Within less than ten years, those single-glazed windows had already begun to rot and allow significant draughts, leaving the home uncomfortable and inefficient.
The homeowners approached Woodcraft Windows looking for a solution that would respect the historic character of the building while dramatically improving comfort, security, and energy efficiency.
A Heritage-Appropriate Solution
For conservation area properties, replacing windows and doors requires careful attention to traditional proportions, detailing, and materials. Our team recommended bespoke cottage-style timber windows designed specifically to suit traditional stable buildings.
The project included eight bespoke units in total — 5 windows and 3 doors — all installed within three days.
The new windows were crafted from engineered European redwood, a high-quality timber that offers excellent stability and longevity. To maintain the traditional appearance, the design included:
- Floating mullions to keep window frames slim and elegant
- Decorative timber glazing bars in an inverted “T” design, often used in heritage buildings
- Traditional pivot hinges and pear-drop handles with matching window stays
To complement the rural setting, the exterior finish was chosen in Farrow & Ball “Mizzle”, a soft heritage green widely used on traditional countryside properties. The interior finish was kept classic white, providing a bright and timeless look inside the home.
Matching Heritage Doors
Alongside the windows, we installed 3 glazed bespoke timber doors, finished in the same Farrow & Ball Mizzle colour externally.
To retain the authentic feel of the original stable buildings, the doors were finished using a hand-brushed paint technique, giving them the appearance of traditional painted joinery.
The look was completed with black Regency-style lever handles, perfectly suited to period and conservation-area homes.
Modern Performance Behind a Traditional Appearance
While the design respects the character of the property, every Woodcraft installation benefits from modern engineering and performance:
- High-security multi-point locking systems
- Engineered redwood construction to minimise movement, warping, and swelling
- High-performance double glazing for improved insulation
- Traditional detailing combined with modern durability standards
Designed for Conservation Areas
For homeowners living in conservation areas or heritage properties, replacing windows and doors can be challenging. Our bespoke timber solutions are designed to meet conservation area expectations while delivering modern comfort and energy efficiency.
This Henley-on-Thames stable conversion now retains its authentic rural character, while benefiting from draught-free warmth, improved security, and windows built to last for decades.
“We’re overwhelmed with the timber doors and windows Woodcraft Windows provided for our converted stables. From start to finish the whole team were excellent in how they handled the job, so professional and friendly. The quality of the doors and windows are, in my mind, perfect. Thank you again for everything Woodcraft Windows, we will recommend you to everyone.”
– Debra, Henley-on-Thames
Project
- Client: Debra
- Address: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
- Date: August 2025
- Duration: 3 days
Work
- Replacement of 5 casement windows
- Replacement of 2 french doors with bespoke glazed timber french doors
- Replacement of glass door with bespoke glazed timber glass door
Materials
- Engineered European redwood
- Floating Mullions
- Decorative timber glazing bars in an inverted “T” design
- Pear-drop handles and matching stays
- Double glazed units
Stable Conversion Window and Door Upgrade in Conservation Area, Henley-on-Thames – AFTER
Stable Conversion Window and Door Upgrade in Conservation Area, Henley-on-Thames – BEFORE
Expertly Crafted Windows & Doors in Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Ascot, Hampstead & Harrogate
At Woodcraft Windows, our expertise is in crafting and fitting windows and doors that are true to the style of your period home, yet offer 21st century comfort and convenience.
