Gowercroft Casement Windows in Chesterfield Barn Conversion
Gowercroft are proud to provide the hardwood timber casement windows for a prestigious renovation in Derbyshire.
Key takeaways:
- Grade II listed 17th-century barn in a conservation area
- 19 bespoke timber casement windows and a large bi-fold door
- Accoya® frames with split paint and stain finish
- Glazing changes approved under Listed Building consent
What is the history of West Barn?
West Barn is a four-bedroom detached barn conversion in Somersall, Chesterfield. It sits beside a gentle stream in the peaceful Derbyshire countryside.
The barn is Grade II listed and dates back to 1631. Once part of the Somersall Hall estate, it was built in local stone with a slate roof and retains many original agricultural features. These include three rows of triangular ventilation holes, a hipped roof extension that once served as a cart shed, and a timber-framed wagon entrance with brick infill and a stone slab roof.
What was the aim of the renovation?
When Barry Corker purchased the barn in 2015, he sought to upgrade the existing 1980s conversion.
The goal was to improve the internal layout, introduce more natural light. He also wanted to create a contemporary yet sympathetic feel that respected the original fabric of the building.
As the barn sits within a conservation area and holds listed status, the project required careful navigation of planning and Listed Building consent.
How were Gowercroft’s windows adapted for heritage approval?
Gowercroft was chosen for its expertise in listed building projects. The team designed and made 19 bespoke timber casement windows that met both conservation standards and modern performance needs.
Nearly all of the softwood windows (around 19 in total) were replaced with larger timber casement windows featuring slender Accoya® frames in a split finish – painted externally and stained internally for a warm, natural appearance.
At the rear, where a tall shed door once served the threshing barn, a small patio door was replaced with a wide set of fully glazed bi-fold doors, bringing light into the interior and offering expansive views of the garden. Above the wagon entrance, the original windows were enlarged to create dramatic glazed panels that now flood the family bathroom with daylight.
What did the homeowner think?
Barry Corker said:
“The team at Gowercroft were extremely helpful in guiding us through the planning and Listed Building consent. They had the skill and craftsmanship to adapt their standard range of windows to the bespoke requirements of the project, enabling us to maintain a sympathetic appearance entirely in keeping with this historic property and its surroundings.”
See the completed timber windows in their Derbyshire setting
You can view the full gallery here to see how the timber casement windows and bi-fold doors complement the barn’s historic charm.
