Edwardian homes are notable for featuring ornate decorative details often seen on doors, floor tiles, high ceilings, woodwork, and brickwork. With most of these properties now being over a century old, it can be difficult for new homeowners to try and preserve these beautiful period features while wanting to still accommodate modern conveniences.

Often the renovation or restoration cost means having to prioritise one over the other. Striking that delicate balance between contemporary and the traditional is something that many are determined to accomplish, even if it means waiting longer to carry out one renovation at a time.

One of the reasons these houses have become a hot ticket on the property market is their more generously spaced rooms and solid construction design. The extra room makes them an ideal choice for today’s homeowners who appreciate larger living spaces. They also tend to have larger outdoor areas that are great for growing families and those that love gardening.

With large rooms often comes large windows. Allowing ample natural light to penetrate was a key aspect of Edwardian homes. Large sash bay windows were the norm but were somewhat edified along the way to make use of PVC over timber.

Thankfully, homeowners like Melonie Philips and her husband Ryan who came into possession of an Edwardian property in Westcliff-on Sea have a strong appreciation for the original aesthetic and were able to start replacing the disappointing PVC with timberwork done by Timbertherm Windows. Not only does this restoration of wooden sash windows aid in improving the look of the property, but the use of timber has also been found to better support the load of the walls and roof, as was originally intended.

The next step for the couple was to find a replacement for what was a dilapidated yet still functional front door and French doors leading into the garden. They sought an authentic design for the stained-glass portion through online research, and after choosing a colour for the rest of the door, they again turned to Timbertherm Windows to construct a replacement that would go on to effortlessly blend in with the classic Edwardian style of the home.

Amongst the tips the couple recommends when undertaking such renovations is to understand how to take correct measurements when seeking initial quotes from suppliers, with overestimation being a better outcome than underestimation.

Engaging the supplier before making an order also seems to have worked well for them as they noted the helpful and animated discussion they had on the phone with Timbertherm’s Justin before making a choice. Where possible, they also advised making the effort to see the craftsmanship of the windows first-hand before making any payments.

The couple continues to undertake other renovations to the interior and exterior of their house and will hopefully one day achieve that overall perfect finish that will make their home stand out as an excellent representation of Edwardian architecture. For now, they are taking it just one step at a time as they work their way towards recreating their idyllic home.