Before and After – a glorious Victorian window restoration

The magnificent arched feature window lighting the staircase and hall

Victorian window restoration in south Co. Dublin

When I first visited this property in January it was in a poor state of repair. Ken Leonard construction were onsite as chief project managers. However, the window proportions were magnificent to start with. Not to mention the extraordinary and unobstructed views over the bay that these windows framed.

History

Constructed in the 1840s, this is one of the terraced houses that the Victorians built in an era where taking in the sea air was popular – as it still is! It is an imposing 3 storey over basement and over the years was converted into apartments for letting. Now the new owners have restored it to a modern family home that is filled with period features.

Victorian windows

The grand rooms of the first two floors feature tall one over one sash windows, with some measuring almost two and a half metres tall. Further drama comes from the arched window over the staircase which fills the centre of the home with light.

Additionally, the property owners had the idea to convert the kitchen window to a door, opening out to the garden. Not only does this double as a fire escape, but also provides a wonderfully modern feature in a period property. The window in question had original leaded side lights. To preserve these, yet provide good thermal efficiency, we fitted exterior secondary glazing. Hence, the coloured glazing is one of the highlights of the room and not at all impaired by the need for warmth in an old building. The finished door is an impressive 3m in height.