Listed Building Sash Window Restoration in Somerset

Conservation-led repair and restoration of original timber sash windows for Grade II and period properties across Bath, Bristol, Wells, Glastonbury, Frome, Bruton and surrounding Somerset villages.

Artisawn specialises in the repair and restoration of original timber sash windows in listed buildings and conservation areas across Somerset, Bath and Bristol. We work to conservation best practice — retaining and repairing original fabric wherever possible, using traditional joinery methods and materials that are compatible with historic buildings.

We work directly with homeowners, architects and conservation officers on Grade II and Grade II* listed properties, as well as unlisted buildings within designated conservation areas. If your property is listed or sits within a conservation area, your windows deserve specialist restoration — not modern shortcuts.

Protecting Somerset’s Architectural Heritage

Somerset is home to some of England’s most beautiful period properties — from Georgian townhouses in Wells to rural farmhouses near Bruton and character cottages across Glastonbury and Frome.

Original sash windows are often over a century old.
They are part of the building’s historic fabric.

In most cases, these windows can be:

Structurally repaired
Fully draught proofed
Made operational again
Protected for decades to come

Without requiring replacement.

We follow a “repair first” philosophy in line with conservation best practice.

OUR CONSERVATION APPROACH

A Conservation-Led Method

Our restoration approach focuses on:

Maximum retention of original timber
Traditional timber splice repairs
Accurate reproduction of mouldings and profiles
Preservation of historic glass where appropriate
Discreet brush draught proofing systems
Breathable primer systems suited to heritage joinery

No foam fillers.
No silicone patch jobs.
No cutting corners.

We restore windows properly — so they last.

WHAT WE TYPICALLY REPAIR

Scope of Works for Listed Window Restoration

Each project is assessed individually, but may include:

Careful removal of sashes and secure temporary boarding
Full paint or varnish removal
Structural sill repairs
Timber splice repairs to rails, stiles and glazing bars
Pulley servicing or spiral balance overhaul
Re-cording with traditional waxed sash cord
Realignment and rebalancing
Installation of concealed draught proofing
Glass bed re-sealing
Two coats of specialist primer ready for final decoration

LISTED BUILDING CONSENT

Do I Need Listed Building Consent?

In most cases, repairing and conserving original windows does not require listed building consent.

Because we retain and repair the existing fabric, our work aligns with conservation principles.

If consent is required, we can provide:

Detailed condition reports
Photographic documentation
1:20 scaled drawings
Professional supporting statements

We regularly work within Somerset Council conservation expectations.

Areas We Cover for Listed Building Work

We carry out listed building sash window restoration across:

Wells — including the Cathedral Close and surrounding conservation area

Frome — including the historic town centre and Badcox conservation area

Glastonbury — including the High Street conservation area

Shepton Mallet — including the Market Place conservation area

Bruton — including the town centre conservation area

Castle Cary, Somerton, Langport, Ilminster and surrounding Somerset villages

Bath — including the World Heritage Site and surrounding conservation areas

Bristol — including Clifton, Redland and Cotham conservation areas

Taunton and the wider Somerset county

Our workshop is in Pylle, near Shepton Mallet — well placed to cover the whole of Somerset, Bath and Bristol without additional travel charges within our standard service area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need listed building consent to repair my sash windows?

In most cases, no — if the work involves repairing and conserving the original windows without altering their appearance or fabric. Our conservation-led approach is specifically designed to avoid triggering the consent requirement. However, if any component is being replaced, or if the property is in a particularly sensitive conservation area, we recommend checking with your local planning authority. We can advise on this at the survey stage.

Can you match the original moulding profiles on my listed property?

Yes. We carry a wide range of tooling for common Georgian and Victorian moulding profiles and can reproduce most period sections accurately. Where a profile is unusual, we can arrange bespoke tooling or adapt existing cutters to match. We take section measurements from surviving original timber and match new material as closely as possible.

Can you preserve the original glass in my windows?

Yes, where the original glass is intact we always aim to retain it. Historic cylinder and crown glass has an optical quality that modern glass cannot replicate, and its preservation is consistent with Historic England guidance. We take care during paint removal and sash servicing to avoid damaging original panes. Where individual panes are cracked or missing, we can source reclaimed period glass where available.

My windows have been painted shut for years — can they be restored?

Yes. Painted-shut sashes are one of the most common issues we encounter in listed properties. We carefully free the sashes without damaging the surrounding joinery, carry out any necessary repairs, and restore full operation. In many cases windows that appear beyond saving are restored to full working order.

Do you work with architects and heritage consultants?

Yes. We regularly work alongside architects, heritage consultants and conservation officers on listed building projects across Somerset and Bath. We can provide technical specifications, condition reports and supporting documentation to assist with consent applications and planning submissions.

How much does listed building sash window restoration cost?

Costs vary considerably depending on the number of windows, their size and their condition. A straightforward sash service and draught proof on a window in reasonable condition will cost significantly less than a window requiring extensive structural repairs. We carry out a free site survey and provide a detailed written quotation before any work begins. Contact us to arrange a survey.

Get in Touch

If you own a listed property or a home within a conservation area and are concerned about the condition of your sash windows, we are happy to visit, assess and advise — with no obligation. Call us on 07447 592226 or email info@artisawn.co.uk.

Based in Pylle, Somerset. Serving Somerset, Bath, Bristol, Wells and surrounding conservation areas.