Heritage Windows, Matlock, Derbyshire
Key Takeaways:
- Location: Riber Castle, Matlock, Derbyshire (Grade II Listed)
- Project Type: Full redevelopment of a ruined hilltop castle into luxury apartments
- Products Used: Made-to-measure timber casement windows from Gowercroft’s Classic Range
- Challenges Overcome:
- High wind loading pressures up to 500 pounds
- Individual window units weighing over 400kg
- Limited exterior access requiring internal glazing
- Strict conservation requirements for slender mouldings and invisible external sealant
- Solutions Delivered: Innovative glazing bead design, bespoke gaskets and keeps, reinforced hinges, concealed drainage and venting
What is Riber Castle?
Riber Castle is a 19th century Grade II listed country house overlooking Matlock, Derbyshire. It was built by local mill-owner John Smedley in 1862 as his private home. After the death of Smedley’s wife, the castle became a boys’ school until the 1930s. With the coming of WWII the Ministry of Defence used the site for storage. The MoD left following the war and the castle remained unused until the 1960s.
From the 1960s to September 2000 it was home to a wildlife park, until “Riber Zoo”, as it was known, was sold by the owner. The park was criticised for the treatment of the animals, and the closure was not without controversy. Activists even released several Lynxes which escaped into the wild, with regular sightings occurring in Matlock and Carsington to this day.
New Ownership, new vision
Alan White purchased Riber Castle and the grounds, and was planning a major redevelopment into luxury apartments. The castle had no roof or floors, let alone any windows. Not only that but it’s unique location and construction presented many challenges for all the contractors. Gowercrofts task of designing, building and fitting windows was especially difficult.
What Challenges Did Riber Castle Present?
Riber Castle’s location atop a hill meant that any new windows had to withstand intense wind pressures. The exposed site experienced wind loading of up to 500 pounds. Some of the windows, once fully glazed, weighed over 400kg.
Other key issues included:
- External access to the windows was difficult, so all glazing had to be completed from the inside
- The thick, four-foot stone walls required precision fitting behind deep reveals
- Planning officers insisted on conservation-compliant designs with traditional profiles, concealed drainage, and no visible mastic
This was not a project where standard heritage windows could be used.
How Did Gowercroft Develop a Suitable Solution?
Our Technical Director, David Brown, worked directly with developer Ivan White to design a bespoke window system. To meet both performance and aesthetic needs, we developed a fully internally glazed casement window with a new interlocking beading system.
This system included a tapered tongue joint that locked the glazing bead into the sash securely. It provided the necessary wind resistance while meeting conservation requirements for minimal visual impact.
To demonstrate its strength, we tested a sample window unit with 700 pounds of force applied by five members of the Gowercroft team. Even when secured only with high-strength glazing tape, it held firm.
Additional enhancements included:
- Neoprene gaskets and customised keeps for reliable draught proofing
- Strengthened hinges to support the weight of the oversized windows
- Concealed drainage and venting systems built into the design
How Did Gowercroft Respect the Building’s Historic Character?
Planning restrictions required that the new windows closely replicate the castle’s original 19th-century features. This meant matching the fine mouldings, sightlines, and proportions of the originals. We concealed modern performance features such as seals and fixings to ensure the new windows appeared authentic.
Despite the extreme technical requirements, the end result looked entirely in keeping with the heritage façade.
To see Gowercroft Director, David Brown, explaining some of the complexity of the design process, please watch the video below.
Ivan White’s comments on working with Gowercroft Joinery:
“From the start of the project, David Brown of Gowercroft embraced our vision and helped us design a product that met the local planning constraints with all the criteria of aesthetics and performance. Their traditional craftsmanship and use of innovative, modern materials delivered a product that worked. I would have no hesitation in recommending Gowercroft for all types of projects; their assistance with design is invaluable.”
Ivan White – Riber Castle Project Director, Cross Tower Ventures Ltd.
Riber Castle Gallery
What Happened to Riber Castle After the Windows Were Installed?
Far from the two and a half years originally predicted by site director Ivan White, the restoration of Riber Castle stretched across more than two decades. After initial works began in 2010, the project gained major financial backing in later years. A £10.8 million bridging loan from Blackfinch Property helped propel the restoration forward and bring the project to completion.
Now completed in 2024, the castle has been transformed into 26 luxury apartments, combining dramatic hilltop views with refined interiors. The Wright family, who had held the property since 2000, oversaw the complex and sensitive development throughout. James Wright, whose late father Alan purchased the castle, shared with the Derbyshire Times how proud his father would have been to see their shared vision finally realised.
The apartments are now for sale through Dales and Peaks, attracting buyers looking for a rare blend of heritage character and contemporary comfort in the Derbyshire countryside.
Gowercroft’s made-to-measure timber windows, installed back in 2010–2011, continue to perform beautifully – a long-term testament to the craftsmanship and durability that supported this landmark transformation.
Riber Castle Now
Why Trust Gowercroft with Challenging Conservation Projects?
Riber Castle is a perfect example of how our expertise and craftsmanship stand the test of time. More than a decade after installation, our timber windows continue to perform beautifully in one of the UK’s most exposed and challenging heritage locations.
Our in-house team specialises in creating conservation-compliant, made-to-measure timber windows that not only meet strict planning requirements but also deliver exceptional durability and energy performance.
Get in touch to discuss your heritage window project today.