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.

Oh me too Kate, I was maybe particularly drawn to it as I'm 9 months pregnant and v looking forward to my first drink! Enjoy creating in your new bit of space! Love that room btw! X

Thanks sksj1, I didn't realise this could be done. We haven't managed to get a configuration that works for us yet and the outward bifold doors stops us putting the dining table under the covered area as you have to move the whole lot out of the way each time you open the bifolds. Will explore this further. Thanks.

Hi, if you garden was mine I would paint the shed and fences with black or dark brown Cuprinol which is like coloured water, and not paint which would have to be redone every few years to keep the bright colour, it has the advantage of being a preservative as well. Second job, cut the grass back an make a border for plants, the add compost to the soil and in the spring give the whole border a dressing of Growmore to give plants a good start, do this before you buy any plants. Thirdly, how about putting a simple seat, something like a raised railway sleeper, under the tree where the soil would be more difficult to grow plants, it would give you a different perspective of you house and garden. You could put down a row of slabs in front of it or put down a membrane and cover it with chipped bark but be aware children/birds etc love throwing this on to the lawn. Fourth. Take pictures of what you have done, go to your local garden centre a tell them what you want to achieve they would be able to give you ideas of what to look for, I would suggest shrubs and climbers and when planting allow enough space for them to grow, it might look a bit sparse at first BUT it is financially worth it. For a couple of years you could put in some annuals but they are not really child proof. Your garden seems to have no problems with being overlooked which is great, I hope my ideas will help you and that I haven’t given you too much work but this basics are essential. If you need suggestions for plants please let me know and I will give you some ideas, measurements of the borders when done will be a great help. How about a get together with some friends, they bring their digging forks and you provide wine/beer and a bit of food for after they have done the job. Enjoy yourselves. 👍😁