The Old Vicarage is the perfect showcase for Suffolk based Excell Timber Windows’ range of wooden windows and doors from George Barnsdale. The owners have fused old and new together to make a stunningly modern family home.
The History
Traditionally, a vicarage was the heart of the community and they remain highly sought after properties.
Today, many of these beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings are being brought up to modern standards in order to meet the needs of 21st century living. This is exactly what the homeowners have done, having purchased their new home directly from the Church.
When they took possession, the property had been quite neglected and required a complete renovation with rewiring, new plumbing and a large extension. The family lived elsewhere while the work was completed as there was so much to do.
The original timber windows have all been replaced to allow for double glazing and better thermal performance, but they weren’t in bad condition considering they were a couple of hundred years old, as the homeowner points out:
“Wooden windows were made properly in those days and so they lasted really well”
When the time came for replacing the windows and doors, the homeowner already knew she wanted George Barnsdale’s products because she orginally came from Lincolnshire and had them in her old house. Having contacted the manufacturer, she was referred to Excell Timber Windows as the local approved partner.
“Excell have been brilliant, lovely to deal with. I’ve recommended them to lots of other people.”
Upon visiting The Old Rectory, the front of the property has an understated elegance that belies the depth and quality of the property behind. With its 4 sliding sash windows, a single french casement window and an elegant inky blue timber door finished in paint to match Paint & Paper Library Kigali, it exudes refinement, setting the scene beautifully for the rest of the home.
Bringing the outside in with timber bifolding doors
The kitchen family room, which is part of the new extension at the back of the property, is the heart of this home. With its extensive range of units and a large central island, it is a place for the growing family to gather.
In order to make the most of the views out to the garden, the couple chose a large set of elegant 6 panelled bi-folding doors. They are double glazed and coated in paint to match Farrow & Ball Pointing and a stunning addition to the show stopping room.
Timber sliding sash windows with a modern twist
Sitting alongside the bifolds are the two pairs of timber sliding sash windows. Throughout the house, there are a total of 22 sliding sash window which have a modern twist – they are spiral balanced. This means they are a less bulky option to the traditional weights and pulley system. The owners have set their windows on stone cills to complete the period aesthetic.
What is a spiral balanced sliding sash window?
Spiral balanced sliding sash windows use a coiled spring instead of a traditional cord, weight and pulley system. Visually they look the same from the outside but on the inside they have slightly less of the frame showing and a discrete white casing set into the frame encasing the spring. This makes them ideal for smaller window openings to maximise the glass size.
A stable door complete with a cat flap is found at the side of the house and this is painted in Kigali to match the front door.
To complete the fenestration in this stunning home, there are 5 french casement windows that open out to give an uninterrupted view since they have no middle bar. These are ideal as fire escape windows, if required.
Commenting on what she loves about her new windows and doors the homeowner says
“I love how well the sashes open, the finish is beautiful too”
Whilst the current owners of the Old Vicarage are not linked to the church, they have shown an almost biblical determination to restore and improve this gorgeous house so that it lasts for another 200 years or more. It is an excellent example of a fusion of old and new, the high ceilings of old sit comfortably with the modern bi-folds in the state of the art kitchen. It is perfect.