In the summer of 20026, we restored the original window frames and fitted new Accoya timber double glazed sashes to the casement windows of Mortlake House, this magnificent former vicarage in East Sheen.
The house was built in 1867 as a new vicarage for the parish of Mortlake. The land was donated by James Stuart Wortley, an important figure in the development of East Sheen.
The architect was William Hudson, a local architect who lived at St Leonards and who was principally known for working on commercial buildings in the City of London.
Wortley was one of the principal forces behind the transformation of the area from largely open land into a suburban district. The vicarage was therefore effectively built at the beginning of the Victorian expansion of East Sheen.
In 1955 the house was no longer used as the residence of the vicar and was sold/converted to a private residence and acquired the name Mortlake House.
The current owners were particularly keen to retain as much of the original windows as possible, which still dated back to 1867, whilst at the same time improving their thermal efficiency.
At SashWise it is these types of projects that we love being involved in, preserving and restoring original features, whilst at the same time sympathetically incorporating modern day building materials.
We carefully removed the casement sashes, stripped the window frames back to the original wood, carried out any rot repairs where required, and then fully restored the frames throughout.
The outside of the frames were finish painted with Zinsser AllCoat Satin White and the internal faces with Farrow & Ball All White eggshell.
Prior to the work commencing on the window frames, we manufactured new casement sashes using Accoya timber. We paid particulalr attention to match the design, proportions and moulding details of the original windows.
The clients were conscious that they did not want the new double glazed sashes to appear out of place so they opted for a slimmer 4-8-4 double glazed unit.
Fitting new sashes into original frames of this age which are often warped and twisted can prove a challenge. But by replacing the internal timber stop beads with new beads incorporating a draught-proof seal, allows us to achieve a tighter seal between the old frames and the new sashes.
New high quality polished brass window ironmongery was fitted throughout. Including flush fitting security flip bolts, for added security but without detracting from the beauty of the windows.
Alongside this all of the glass was toughened for added safety and security.
The below images clearly show the transformation of the windows from old to new.
Our new windows look truly beautiful! The attention to detail and craftsmanship is exceptional. We are delighted with results and would not hesitate to recommend SashWise.
