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Fordwich, a charming village near Canterbury in Kent, is renowned for its picturesque surroundings and historic buildings. This quaint village boasts several properties with traditional sash windows that play a key role in preserving its historical character. These sash windows are integral to maintaining Fordwich’s unique charm, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Our expert team is dedicated to the precise repair and restoration of these windows, addressing common issues such as draughts, rattles, and broken mechanisms with meticulous care. We start with a comprehensive inspection to assess the condition of your sash windows and develop a bespoke repair plan to restore them to their optimal state. For properties requiring more extensive work, we offer thorough restoration services, including replacing worn or damaged components with accurate replicas to ensure historical authenticity. Additionally, our draught-proofing solutions are designed to improve energy efficiency and comfort while preserving the traditional look of your sash windows. By choosing our services, you contribute to the preservation of Fordwich’s architectural heritage, ensuring your property remains a beautiful example of the village’s historical significance.
We pride ourselves on offering free, expert advice to all our clients, including those with properties in conservation areas and Grade I listed buildings. We understand that working on heritage homes requires careful consideration and informed decisions. You can trust us to provide honest, knowledgeable guidance with no obligation
We are proud to operate a local workshop. Being local allows us to maintain strict quality control of our sash windows, offer personalised service, and ensure timely completion of work. It also means we are easily accessible for consultations and support, providing our clients with the confidence that they are working with a nearby team dedicated to their satisfaction.
Fordwich is officially known as the smallest town in Britain yet its charm and architectural richness are anything but small. Set beside the River Stour and surrounded by woodland, meadows and ancient pathways the town is filled with historic houses, timber framed buildings, Georgian frontages and riverside cottages that have stood for centuries. Many properties still feature original sash windows, handcrafted wooden doors and bespoke joinery that reflect the craftsmanship of past generations. These features are central to Fordwich’s identity but the combination of river air, seasonal humidity and natural timber movement means they require skilled and sensitive care. At Traditional Sash Windows and Carpentry we restore sash windows, upgrade glazing, carry out repairs and create bespoke joinery that enhances comfort while preserving Fordwich’s unique architectural character.
Sash windows found in Fordwich often display traditional details such as slender Georgian glazing bars, deeper Victorian frames or cottage style proportions seen in riverside homes. Over time the effects of moisture from the nearby river, older putty, worn cords or softened timber can reduce functionality. Our restoration work begins with a thorough inspection of each window. We repair original timber wherever possible and replace damaged areas using sustainable hardwood shaped to match existing mouldings. Pulleys are serviced, new cords are fitted and weights are rebalanced to restore smooth reliable movement. This careful restoration brings your sash windows back to full working order while protecting the historic appearance that gives Fordwich its charm.
The proximity to the River Stour means Fordwich experiences cool breezes and higher humidity especially during the evenings and colder months. Draught proofing is a subtle but effective upgrade that makes period homes more comfortable without altering their appearance. We install slim brush seals discreetly within the frame which help reduce heat loss, soften passing noise and prevent rattling caused by air movement. These seals remain almost invisible once fitted making them ideal for homes where maintaining the original look is essential.
Some homes in Fordwich lie close to the river, country lanes or busier routes leading into Canterbury which can create a need for improved insulation and sound reduction. Secondary glazing is an excellent choice for those who want to retain their original sash windows. Installed internally it improves warmth and acoustic performance while leaving the exterior untouched. For homeowners looking for a more permanent upgrade we offer slimline double glazed sash windows. These units replicate the proportions and glazing patterns of the originals while offering the benefits of modern glazing. Whether you live in a medieval timber framed house or a Georgian townhouse this upgrade provides comfort without compromising traditional character.
Fordwich homes display a wonderful mix of wooden doors from rustic cottage entrances to more refined Georgian styles. A wooden door is often the central element of the façade and must withstand the dampness associated with river living. We design and create bespoke wooden doors using sustainable timber such as Accoya and Red Grandis chosen for their durability and resistance to warping. Every door is built using mortise and tenon joinery which ensures long lasting strength. We can replicate the original style of your door or design a new one that complements the character of your home. We also restore existing doors repairing damaged timber, improving fit and refining weather protection while preserving the door’s traditional appearance.
The interiors of Fordwich homes often include exposed beams, sloped ceilings, deep window reveals and centuries old timber that create natural opportunities for bespoke joinery. Our interior joinery service includes fitted wardrobes, bookshelves, window seats, kitchen cabinetry, alcove units and made to measure storage created from sustainable hardwood. Each piece is designed to fit the precise proportions of your home whether it is part of a medieval structure or a more modern riverside cottage. Our joinery enhances both practicality and visual harmony blending seamlessly with your property’s character.
Fordwich’s architectural heritage deserves a sensitive approach built around sustainability. We repair original joinery wherever possible reducing waste and preserving historic material. When new timber is required we use responsibly sourced hardwoods known for their long term stability. All finishes we use are breathable which protects the wood and allows it to adjust naturally to changes in humidity and temperature. This ensures your joinery remains durable while staying true to traditional methods that suit historic buildings.
Fordwich’s riverside location introduces specific building considerations. Moisture levels are higher, seasonal dampness can affect exterior joinery and older buildings may settle slightly due to age, soil movement and historical foundations. These conditions influence how sash windows and wooden doors behave. We take these local factors into account when restoring or installing joinery ensuring reliable function throughout the year. Our detailed understanding of Fordwich’s environmental conditions allows us to tailor our work for long lasting performance.
Fordwich’s identity is defined by its medieval roots, timber framed houses and its position along the River Stour. Every property contributes to the charm of the town which makes sensitive restoration essential. When creating new joinery or repairing existing features we match mouldings, glazing bars and timber profiles with precision to maintain architectural coherence. Our goal is always to protect the character that makes Fordwich so special.
If your Fordwich home has sash windows, wooden doors or bespoke joinery that require restoration, repair or considered upgrading our team is here to help. We combine traditional craftsmanship with sustainable materials to deliver exceptional results tailored to the character of your property.
Enhance your Fordwich home with beautifully restored sash windows, bespoke wooden doors and handcrafted joinery designed to last. Contact Traditional Sash Windows and Carpentry today to arrange your free consultation.
We repair, restore and replace traditional timber windows and doors across Kent and London. Our work includes sash window overhauls and draught proofing, timber resin repairs, replacement sashes, new box sash windows, casement window repairs, secondary glazing, double glazed sash windows, wooden door repairs, replacement doors and bespoke joinery.
Where possible, we always aim to repair and retain original timber windows. Many older sash windows can be brought back into good working order with careful timber repairs, replacement sections, new cords, pulleys, beads, glazing repairs and draught proofing. Full replacement is usually recommended only where the existing frame or sashes are beyond economical repair, or where a customer would benefit more from entirely new joinery.
Yes. Our sash window overhaul and draught proofing service is designed to reduce rattling, draughts and heat loss while preserving the character of traditional windows. We can also discuss slimline double glazing, standard double glazing where suitable, secondary glazing and Fineo vacuum glazing, depending on the building, existing joinery and planning requirements.
Yes. We regularly work on period homes, listed buildings and properties within conservation areas. Our approach focuses on retaining as much original timber and architectural detail as possible, using traditional joinery methods alongside modern repair materials where appropriate. We can produce like for like replacement components, including mouldings, glazing bars, curved heads and bespoke sash profiles.
The right timber depends on the property, design and budget. We commonly use Accoya, Sapele and European Oak, along with other suitable hardwoods and softwoods where required. Accoya is a popular choice for painted external joinery because it is highly stable and durable, while Sapele and Oak can be well suited to particular repairs, doors and specialist joinery details.
Our repairs and new joinery are supplied properly prepared and undercoated where required, ready for final decoration. We do not generally provide the final painting service, as this is best completed by a dedicated decorator once the timber has fully settled and any surrounding finishes have been prepared. We will always explain what stage the joinery will be left at before work begins.
We offer surveys and quotations for suitable projects across Kent and London. During the visit, we assess the condition of the windows, doors or joinery, discuss the options available and explain the likely repair or replacement work involved. For some smaller jobs, clear photographs and measurements may be enough for us to provide an initial estimate before arranging a site visit.
This depends on the number of windows, their condition and the level of repair needed. A straightforward overhaul and draught proofing job can often be completed in a day, while larger restoration projects, replacement sashes or full house installations may take longer. We will provide a clear programme before work starts so you know what to expect.
Yes. Traditional Sash Windows and Carpentry is fully insured and CERTASS certified, giving customers added confidence that their project is being completed by an experienced and properly accredited team. CERTASS certification allows us to self certify qualifying replacement window and door installations, helping ensure the work meets current Building Regulations requirements without the need for the customer to arrange separate Building Control approval. Once the installation is complete, the relevant certification can be provided for applicable work.We also hold appropriate public liability insurance for the work we carry out, including sash window repairs, replacement timber windows, wooden doors, glazing and bespoke joinery.
Yes. We supply and fit bespoke secondary glazing for sash windows, casement windows and other traditional timber windows throughout Kent and London. It is a practical way to improve warmth, reduce outside noise and limit draughts without removing or altering the original joinery.Secondary glazing is fitted internally, creating an additional barrier behind the existing window. This makes it especially useful for period homes, listed buildings and conservation areas where replacing original windows may not be appropriate. We can advise on discreet systems that suit the style, layout and day to day use of your windows, including horizontal sliding, vertical sliding, hinged and fixed options where suitable.
Traditional Sash Windows and Carpentry works throughout the whole of Kent and London, including Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Deal, Sandwich, Dover, Folkestone, Maidstone, Tonbridge and surrounding areas. We also take on selected projects further afield where the scope of work is suitable.
Last updated 2026-03-03
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