A Refined Revival: Restoring Character to a 20th-Century Manor House

Project description

This early 1900s Edwardian home was originally a manor house in the village of Oxton, Nottinghamshire. Today, the property has been thoughtfully reimagined as a modern family home for Mr & Mrs Beardsley, inspired by the original character of the property and now infused with neutral, elegant décor.

The couple bought the Manor House in October 2024, after deciding it was time to move back to the UK to be closer to family after 20 years of working and living in Europe (Budapest, Paris, and finally Switzerland). The plan was to undertake a full renovation project, from new internal and external electrics to two new bathrooms, and the replacement of all windows and doors, ready for the couple to move into the home in early 2025.

This restored manor house is set in the quaint village of Oxton, 10 miles northeast of Nottingham city centre. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, tucked away off the main road. The Manor House sits opposite one of the village’s most notable landmarks: St. Peter and St. Paul Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th century. Unlike the church opposite, the Beardsley home is not a listed building, but the property does sit within the Oxton Conservation Area. Although this meant planning permission was not required, the owners were advised to seek a Lawful Development Certificate from their local council to make significant changes to the windows and doors – and the guidance of an experienced supplier proved essential in navigating that process.

Desire to maintain character

Mr & Mrs Beardsley knew that they would want to replace the windows and doors as soon as they purchased the house, as they were starting to look tired and were no longer performing efficiently. Improving the home’s overall energy efficiency was a key priority.

While the owners liked the style of the original windows and doors, which complemented the home’s character, the existing single-glazed units and solid entrance door allowed little natural light into the hallway and necessitated an upgrade. As a result, they requested a like-for-like replacement that would retain the home’s original character, improve efficiency and simplify the Lawful Development Certificate application process by maintaining the existing designs.

Choosing timber for the new windows and doors was an easy decision, as it best suited the aesthetics of the property. With the original windows and doors also made from timber, a like-for-like approach was the most straightforward option, avoiding a change in substrate and helping to preserve the home’s character while adhering to conservation area requirements.

From traditional casements to elegant French doors

As maintaining the style of the original windows and doors was a top priority, close attention was paid to every detail, from the paint finish to replicating the window features.

The renovation consisted of the supply and installation of twenty eight casement windows, three French doors, four single doors, and one entrance door, all made from FSC® Certified Engineered Softwood to provide strength and stability whilst reducing the risk of warping over time. All windows are double-glazed to provide extra insulation for the home and enhance the property’s overall energy efficiency.

The windows are finished in Farrow & Ball Old White externally – a natural complement to the brickwork – and Silent White internally, echoing the neutral tones throughout the home.

The casement windows on the front of the home feature curved glazing bars on the top panes to create a more traditional look, replicating the original windows whilst setting the property apart from others in the village.

Edwardian windows were designed to maximise natural light through simple, elegant forms, often featuring high-quality timber craftsmanship influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. Decorative leaded, stained or coloured glass was common, while doors followed a ‘less is more’ approach with solid wood and clean geometric lines. Retaining these traditional elements honours the past, with Polished Brass handles and hinges from our Classic Collection perfectly complementing the Farrow & Ball Old White finish.

Creating an effortless link between the home and garden, French doors feature throughout the home. They have a timeless appeal and are a beautiful enhancement to this property, inviting natural light into the home’s living spaces.

These outward-opening entrance doors that lead to the annexe and the boot room not only look stylish but also bring natural light to this area of the house. All our single timber doors meet the requirements of PAS24 and Secured by Design, with multi-point locking, cylinder locks and a choice of standard or auto locking available. These single doors feature our standard locking system, offering a high level of security for your home.

Let the light shine through

One of the main drivers behind the homeowners’ decision to upgrade the windows and doors was to increase the amount of natural light throughout the home. The original entrance door was both a key feature of the property and its biggest obstacle to natural light.

The solution was a striking timber entrance door, finished in Farrow & Ball Old White, complete with sidelights to allow natural light to flood the hallway. The neutral tones seamlessly complement the entranceway, creating an inviting and bright first impression that reflects the style of the rest of the home.

Throughout the day, pockets of light now move through The Manor House, with the new windows and doors enhancing brightness across each space. Increased natural light not only transforms the look and feel of the interiors but also creates a healthier, more comfortable living environment. These improvements ensure the Beardsley’s now enjoy a bright, uplifting home from morning to evening.

Working with knowledgeable partners

When choosing a timber window and door supplier, the couple wanted to work with a knowledgeable, local company that could confidently guide them through the conservation requirements, an area that was entirely new to them. Above all, they were looking for a supplier who could simplify the process and help bring their vision to life.

Lifestyle Windows proved to be the perfect choice. From the outset, the couple were impressed by Lifestyle’s professionalism and expertise. Once presented with the brief, Lifestyle quickly recommended George Barnsdale products as the ideal solution, recognising their suitability for both the property’s character and the planning requirements.

The windows and doors were installed in May 2025 as the application process for the Lawful Development Certificate took longer than expected. It took Lifestyle two weeks to complete the installation. The whole process from initial contact, through to surveying, and installation ran smoothly and put the couple at ease. Despite the delays in the application process, which meant the homeowners moved in before all the works were completed, Lifestyle worked with the owners to ensure a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, giving the homeowners peace of mind during an already complex renovation.

Overall, the homeowners were delighted with the level of service provided by Lifestyle and George Barnsdale. Communication was clear and consistent from the very beginning, with both teams quick to respond to any queries, which proved invaluable throughout the application process. The quality of the finished windows and doors truly shines through, with the homeowners noting they were “very satisfied with the value received.” Their original vision has been successfully brought to life through the installation of beautifully crafted, thermally high-performing timber windows and doors that now enhance both the appearance and comfort of their home.