Year in Review – Our Top blogs & case studies from 2022

Every year we look back on our most popular blogs to date...

This year you have devoured renovation-related content like no year before. Researching everything from what are French windows, to research into U-Values. It’s been a year of learning. As we head into 2023 wiser, we look forward to starting new projects and photographing some existing.

Our top blog posts

1. What are French Windows?

You may hear people referring to French windows time and time again, and you’ll be forgiven if you’ve never fully understood what makes a window… French. In fact, sitting in the number 1 spot, our most-read blog posts this year is a guide to explain the basics of what a French window is.

2. How to design the perfect boot room

Commonly found in old estates, the boot room is a quintessential part of any grand property. It’s the gateway between your home and the outside, so don’t neglect this important room – keep it looking super stylish with our expert tips.

3. Does the Golden Ratio really make a building more beautiful?

A formula dating back to 300BC, it is said to be the root of all beauty in nature, art and architecture. But is there truth to these tales, or can we reside them to history? In this post, we explain the Golden Ratio and where it can be found in architecture.

4. What is the best U-Value for windows?

Known as either U-Value or U-Factor, this simple number can say a lot about the energy efficiency, and therefore the quality, of your new windows. In this handy guide, we help you to choose the best U-value for your windows.

5. Tree of the month: Wedding Cake Tree

This month we take a look at the Wedding Cake Tree! With its cream-coloured flowers and tiered structure, this very striking tree species certainly catches the eye at any time of year…

Our top case studies

1. Classic Georgian New Build

New build properties allow for creativity and flexibility, offering the house builder the chance to design their ideal home. Historical accuracy was very important to this client, who wanted her new build in Hutton Mount to look like a classic Georgian house. Westbury worked closely with the architect and homeowner to make sure every detail was considered, mimicking the generously proportioned windows and panes typical of the Georgian era.

2. Traditional Georgian Windows & Roof Lantern for Period-Style New Build

Set in the heart of the countryside an hour from London, this new build house boasts a classic Georgian style with spring balanced sash windows, a bespoke timber roof lantern and an elegant entrance door. While the homeowners benefit from the performance of modern windows and doors, the property’s period style is enhanced with traditional timber joinery and classic architectural features, resulting in an elegant aesthetic.

3. Timber Casement Windows Restore Edwardian Style to This Family Home

The owners of this classic Edwardian home were in need of replacing their original, drafty single glazed windows. They knew they wanted to stay in their property for another 20+ years so were looking to upgrade to double glazed replacements, without losing the property’s elegant characteristics and style that they originally fell in love with.

4. Grey Doors and Windows for Barn-Style New Build

Supplying quality timber and doors that fit with the style of the property lies in the ability of the designer to balance scale and proportion, but also to realise the client’s vision and what they want to achieve. While it might look like a modernised timber-framed barn, this unique property is actually a new build. The owner wanted to replicate the style of traditional barn conversions typically found across Essex, with their classic black weatherboarding and their domineering gable roofs. For this project, we carefully selected products that had quality and style, so that our client could focus on creating their dream home.

5. Georgian Renovation with Sash Windows, French Doors & Roof Lantern

The owners of this elegant Georgian property embarked on a complete renovation project, wanting to update their existing building and add a beautiful, large Orangery extension to the rear of their property.

As part of their renovation plans, they were keen to replace their existing windows with high-performing, insulating timber windows. While the client was keen to choose superior glazed windows that would stand the test of time, they also wanted to ensure that their home would not lose its original period character.