In the picturesque village of Quarndon in Derbyshire, Chestnut House stands as a testament to the perfect blend of traditional style and modern performance.

Built between 2015 and 2016 by experienced property developer Steph Snooks, this ‘dream family forever home’ was designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element aligned with her vision.

Central to this ambitious project was the selection of bespoke Accoya windows, doors, and external joinery, provided by Gowercroft Joinery, known for their superior craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

The Chestnut House project demanded elements that combined traditional aesthetics with modern performance, and she was unwavering in her decision to use Accoya for the woodwork. It was very important to her that the windows and doors:

• Matched the style of the property
• Offered excellent thermal efficiency
• Were long-lasting
• Required minimal maintenance
• Were environmentally sound

After careful consideration and a recommendation from a neighbouring tradesman, Steph visited Gowercroft Joinery. Impressed by their craftsmanship and expertise, she awarded them the contract to supply the bespoke Accoya windows, doors, and external joinery.

Gowercroft Joinery worked closely with Steph to deliver a comprehensive joinery package that met her exacting standards.

The Hardwick Flush Casement Windows from Gowercroft’s Classic Range were chosen for their traditional styling, superior draught-proofing, energy efficiency, and security.

These windows, made from Accoya, are designed to provide years of trouble-free service, with minimal maintenance required. Accoya wood was selected for its outstanding durability, stability, and environmental credentials.

In addition to the windows, the project included the installation of two large Accoya bi-folding doors leading to the rear patio. These doors, measuring 5.5m by 2.4m, were designed to open in a concertina motion, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

The Accoya wood ensured that the doors would maintain their appearance and function over time, despite exposure to the elements.

To complement the high-quality windows and doors, Gowercroft Joinery also crafted enhanced fascia and barge boards, designed to harmonise with the carefully selected roof tiles.

Manufactured from high-quality Accoya and fully factory-finished, these elements were tailored to match the quality and longevity of the bespoke Accoya windows and doors, ensuring a cohesive and durable finish across the entire property.

Accoya was chosen for its outstanding durability, stability, and environmental benefits.

With a minimum service life of 70 years (as stated by TRADA), Accoya significantly reduces the need for maintenance, ensuring that doors and windows open effortlessly year-round.

Its improved stability over other timbers also means that coatings last up to twice as long, further reducing environmental impact.

Reflecting on her experience, Steph Snooks expressed her satisfaction with the outcome:

“We needed large bi-fold doors to cover a 5.5m by 2.4m opening, 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 have a low carbon footprint, but the windows will probably outlive me. Eighteen months on, they still look brand new and are easy to operate – it’s an incredibly durable and stable product. We also used Accoya for the windows and bargeboards and look 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. I’ve recommended Gowercroft to many others and will be commissioning them shortly for the next big build… another forever home!”