Traditional double glazed casement windows fitted to a dream home in Hartlepool
Project Summary
- Location: Hartlepool, County Durham
- Property Type: Three-storey self-build home
- Windows and Doors by Gowercroft: 23 Hardwick Flush Casement windows and bespoke timber doors
- Client: Tony Fallows – owner of Wearside Contractors Ltd
Why choose wooden casement windows for a self-build project?
Southview is a traditional detached five-bedroom home near Hartlepool, designed and built by Tony Fallows as his dream retirement property. With a large extended family, he wanted plenty of room to entertain – and a house that felt at home in its rural surroundings.
Designed by PH Partnership Architects, the house includes:
- A spacious kitchen and family room for entertaining
- A cosy lounge/snug for relaxing
- Guest bedrooms, and a dramatic double-height master suite
- An oak gable with exposed beams and glazed doors to a balcony overlooking open countryside
Though not in a conservation area, Tony wanted the home to look timeless and sympathetic to the landscape. That meant choosing traditional wooden windows – but without compromising on modern performance.
What makes wooden casement windows suitable for rural homes?
Given the sensitivity of the site, sustainably sourced timber and traditional styling were essential. After visiting our workshop, Tony selected Hardwick Flush Casement Windows in Accoya – known for their long service life, minimal upkeep, and authentic aesthetic.
We supplied:
- 23 flush casement windows in a subtle cream finish
- Manufactured in Accoya, a highly durable, low-maintenance timber
- Factory-painted for weather protection and ease of upkeep
- Designed to blend with the home’s traditional look and exposed oak details
“Sustainability, energy efficiency, low maintenance and craftsmanship were in the forefront of our minds when we chose Gowercroft, who ticked every box, impressing us with the quality of their workmanship throughout.”
– Tony Fallows, Wearside Contractors Ltd
Can timber windows deliver modern energy efficiency?
Absolutely. The Hardwick flush casement windows used at Southview offer:
- Excellent air tightness and draught-proofing
- High levels of thermal efficiency, even in exposed locations
- Long-term performance without warping or swelling, thanks to Accoya’s stability
The result: a traditional-looking window with modern performance and minimal maintenance – perfect for a home designed to last.
What bespoke wooden doors were included in the project?
In addition to the windows, we supplied a full set of Accoya doors to match the home’s character. These included:
- Three single timber doors
- A set of large double doors with top lights leading to the master bedroom balcony
- A fully bespoke front door, featuring:
- Leaded glass
- Oak stain finish
- Decorative dental moulds applied using a cost-effective production method
Each door was finished in ‘Grand Oak’ stain, selected to complement the exposed oak roof beams and glazed gable.
Does project managing your own installation affect your guarantee?
Not at all. As the owner of a construction company, Tony managed the entire project himself – sourcing trades, coordinating the build, and handling installation in-house. This approach worked seamlessly with Gowercroft’s guarantee system.
Because the installation met our specification standards, Tony still received our 10-year no-quibble guarantee, which covers all Gowercroft products regardless of who carries out the fitting – as long as it’s done properly.
Is Gowercroft the right choice for timber windows and doors?
For Tony, the decision was clear. After reviewing options, visiting the Gowercroft factory, and understanding our materials and processes, he felt confident that our team would deliver the level of quality and professionalism required.
“Although Southview isn’t in a designated conservation area, we were still committed to building a traditional looking home that would be in keeping with our unspoilt surroundings.”
“Gowercroft ticked every box.”
Why use Accoya for wooden casement windows and doors?
Accoya is a high-performance, sustainably sourced timber that we use across all our ranges. It’s ideal for wooden casement windows and doors because:
- It has a minimum 70-year service life (TRADA certified)
- It’s incredibly stable, so doors and windows open effortlessly year-round
- Paint and coatings last up to twice as long
- It offers a low whole-life carbon footprint
- It looks beautiful and works in both traditional and modern settings
Looking for wooden casement windows for your own self-build?
Contact us for advice, specifications and tailored guidance – or explore our Hardwick Flush Casement Windows to see how they could enhance your project.