Southover in Lewes
Another very specialist historic project has been taken on by Heartwood Construction. Whilst research was being done on the handpainted wallpaper in the Grade 2* listed building circa 1550 in Southover in Lewes, near the The Anne of Cleeves House and almost as old. Some mullion windows were discovered in a wall, lost in time and panelled over, possibly due to rot and movement in the beams or the window tax between the years of 1696 to 1851. During this time many windows were closed up to reduce the taxes on a house hold, but it is most probably the former rather than the latter, because the status of the house suggests that there was not a shortage of money and there is a significant "out of square" shape to the openings. These windows have large ovollo mouldings which was the style of that era of woodwork and often regarded as a "golden age", for decorative oak framing.
Heartwood Construction will firstly have to remove all unwanted lathes, nails and all loose rotten timber. All the woodwork will then be thoroughly and sympathetically repaired and renovated. The opening frames will be handmade by a specialist blacksmith and decorative latches with scrollwork copied from other windows in the building. Once the windows are finished the hallway will then have the lost oak panelling reinstated. Please revisit the news page for updated pictures of the job.
Testimonials
I would like to add my name to the many satisfied customers of Heartwood Construction and Joinery. In our case they constructed a complex solid oak stair case over three floors, with an extra landing. This complex construction was in an Oast House which does not know what a “straight line or right angle” is! So this was a very complex difficult construction. We were delighted with the outcome, which was finished to an extremely high standard, and fitted with minimal disruption. I certainly would recommend Heartwood where complex hand crafted skills are needed.
Peter Ward Booth, Buxted, East Sussex
"We are extremely pleased with the superbly handmade windows and doors that Heartwood Construction made for our period home. Chris Payne has an understanding and feeling for old houses, with knowledge of their original construction that helps him to ensure that the joinery he creates will fit into and move with a property that will continue to develop over the years".
S.Bowles, Burwash, East Sussex