We have done our research!

The custom made wooden windows which were built as early as 1890, were made with old-growth wood. These windows last longer than vinyl or aluminum windows. Vinyl window frames will start to crack due to the exposure to the elements, aluminum frames will eventually corrode.

The warranty on real high-end vinyl or aluminum windows is 20-25 years.  The original wooden windows would have had a 124 year warranty in 1890.

Are these wooden windows attractive in their current condition?

Nope. Let’s agree that peeling paint and dirty glass will not win any Better Homes and Garden awards. Here are some articles and videos on our plan to restore these windows.

How to restore old windows

Discussion on old windows versus new windows

The current windows will not degrade, dissolve, or disappear. Which would be wiser, keeping these windows in our vacation home, or keeping them in the landfill?

The current front porch of the house is too wide and it is just as bland as the entrance on the side of the house. Guests are unclear as to which door is the ‘front door’.

The entrance is actually on Kenwood street, yet the mail has been delivered to the side of the house which is on a different street with different numbering.

We have a much more formal entrance planned. The new formal entrance is much more appropriate for the Shingle Style houses of the late 1800’s.

But first the demo must begin. See Edwin’s visit in October for the first steps in that process.

The Dining room was given a different wall than any other room in the house. When we bought the house, this wall was covered with paneling and wall paper, but after removing some of those materials we found this beautiful tongue-and groove wood.

We plan to clean it up, remove the layers of wall paper and show it off. It will really give the home and unique look.