Key Takeaways
Location: Quarndon, Derbyshire
Client: Private homeowner (Mrs Steph Snooks)
Project Type: Bespoke joinery for a self-build family home
Products Supplied: Accoya windows and doors, timber fascia and bargeboards, large timber bi-folding doors
Key Design Features: Noise-reducing glazing, pre-antiqued rectangular leaded lights, dual colour finish, fully Accoya construction
Installation: Supplied and fitted by Gowercroft’s in-house team
Why did this Quarndon new build need bespoke joinery?
In early 2015, Steph Snooks contacted Gowercroft Joinery during the design phase of her self-build project in Quarndon. Referred by tradespeople working nearby, she wanted a trusted local company who could handle the full joinery package and deliver bespoke Accoya windows and doors.
As an experienced property developer, Steph had a clear vision for her new family home. She was determined to get the design right from the outset, ensuring both performance and character.
How did Gowercroft support the design vision?
This new build gave Steph the opportunity to tailor every aspect of her joinery. We worked closely with her to ensure the specification matched both her design preferences and practical needs.
Her priorities included strong thermal efficiency, traditional appearance and long-term value. She also wanted enhanced acoustic comfort and custom details that would tie into the home’s natural stone features.
Design highlights included:
Noise-reducing glass on all windows and doors facing the road
Pre-antiqued rectangular leaded glass on the front elevation
Dual colour paintwork, colour-matched to suit the stone bays
Custom Accoya fascia and bargeboards to complement her chosen roof tile
Timber bi-folding doors to the rear, creating a seamless connection between the house and garden
What did the client say?
“I built Chestnut House in 2015/2016. It was to be the dream family forever home and after carefully researching a number of companies I chose Gowercroft to undertake the project making our bespoke Accoya windows, doors and various other timber elements.”
“I liked the fact they were based locally and that it is a family business. As a property developer by trade I knew exactly how I wanted things to look and attention to detail was of great importance. I took a tour of the workshop and was impressed by what I saw.”
“Gowercroft handled the job in a friendly, professional manner and offered the bespoke design service I was looking for as well as a high end finish. The fitting service was all undertaken by employees, not subcontractors, who were courteous and good at their jobs.”
“We needed large Bi-Fold doors to cover 5.5m by 2.4m openings and I was determined these would be made in timber. To gain the required stability we chose to use Accoya – it’s worth every penny. Not only does it give a low carbon footprint – the windows will probably outlive me – but 18 months on they still look brand new and are easy to operate – it’s an incredibly durable and stable product.”
“We also used it for the windows and bargeboards and are looking forward to many years of zero maintenance except for keeping them clean. The paint finish is of extremely high quality and I’m sure will last for many more years to come and there is the option to dual colour – not offered by many companies.”
“Whatever your requirements are, be they contemporary or traditional, Gowercroft will tailor a package to suit your project. As a further endorsement I have recommended Gowercroft to many others and will be commissioning them shortly for the next big build… another forever home!”
How has Gowercroft evolved since this project?
At the time of this project, Gowercroft offered complete joinery packages including elements like bargeboards and fascia alongside windows and doors. Since then, we have chosen to specialise exclusively in the design, manufacture and installation of timber windows and doors.
This refined focus has allowed us to elevate our standards and invest more deeply in product development. Today, we work only with Accoya and engineered Red Grandis – timbers chosen for their durability, sustainability and stability. Our award-winning ranges now feature advanced innovations such as vacuum insulated glass, concealed hardware, and high-performance microporous coatings.
Planning a project in Derbyshire?
If you are building or renovating a property in Quarndon or the wider Derbyshire area and want beautifully made timber windows and doors with a long-term guarantee, get in touch with our team.