Hi Folks. The windows are in and I love them. I chose black slim profile aluminium chamfered profile. I've been delaying posting a picture because, as you can see the front drive isn't done yet so the house isn't set off very well in its surroundings. To be clear, the windows we replaced were already Everest replacement windows from the late 70's early 80's I'd guess. The only original glazing we had being external Crittal doors that were ffffreezing, so they have gone and the Crittal stained glass windows by the front door and chimney breast, which we've kept, though they need painting black to match the new windows. We haven't replaced all the other non-original windows, but will aim to do so over the years, when the cash flow improves. I managed to persuade my husband to at least agree to all the first floor front elevation windows being replaced, so now they are all the same when you view the house from the street. The windows of a brick built sun room, front right, that you can partly see, are probably going to be removed, to make that area part of the garden rather than the house. One thing I would say is that we are having a bit of trouble with condensation on the outside of the new windows, which was unexpected and made me quite miserable at first. It turns out we're a bit unlucky, it's a known, but not extremely common, issue with such good thermal insulation in modern double glazing and it depends on the aspect of your house and the dew point. Our front elevation is west and exposed, so cold in the morning resulting in condensation and our view being foggy until the air temperature rises. I've attached a poor photo to show a mild version of what I mean, it can be a lot denser and we have far reaching views from the upstairs windows, so disappointing. But I've got over it. The main plus point is that the rooms with new replacement windows are so much warmer than the ones which still have the old ill fitting wood and aluminium windows. I'm also really pleased that we chose the windows to be black on the inside too. A neighbour up the road has black on the outside, white on the inside and I think it looks really odd when the windows are open. Finally, all the houses on our road are completely different, so there is no uniting feature that ties them together, our windows couldn't clash with the windows in the other houses as they are all individuals, though I suppose you could say they are all clashing, but as we are fortunate enough to be in a big plot with the houses set well apart I don't get that sense. Thanks for looking and all the advice. It was really helpful.

Hi Nicky, my apologies I have only just seen your message. We went for cornforth white Farrow and Ball (which it definitely not white). The shutters are not back open yet but some of them will need to go back on because the large expanses of grey look very grey. The bits next to the white look less austere. The new white garage door with windows has made a big difference. I'd be careful with a very pale grey because if your windows are anything like mine you'll find that they are not actually that white after all....

@robert - they aren't 'cheap'! and as I said in a previous post, it does depend on the mark up put on by the supplier / fitter. I'm afraid I haven't experience of the 2 makes you mention, so couldn't compare. We bought direct, then paid fitters separately as a price we got for a local company to do it all (who are an approved supplier / fitter by CWG) was eye watering! - but it would be best to get someone who DEFINITELY has fitted them before because they are not 'ordinary' windows. VERY heavy. CWG choices in Corby should be able to help you. What I will do is send a copy of this post to the contact I have there & see if he can add anything to this thread.

Mahogany windows and doors were all the rage in the 80s, but I never liked it, so depressing I agree! I would go for sage green or pale grey or taupe. I’m not sure what Heritage Green is? Dark grey will, I think, be rather depressing too. I think classic black for your gutters and drainpipes always looks smart and that colour makes things recede rather than stand out. I’m thinking the soffits in the same shade as the windows would look smart. I've found a few ideas to inspire you, I hope!