Working with historic and heritage properties requires more than technical knowledge. It demands an understanding of how buildings were originally made — and how new elements can be introduced without compromising their character. At David H Wright Joinery, we design and craft timber windows, doors, conservatories and structural timber frames for heritage sites, listed buildings, period homes and properties within conservation areas across Yorkshire and beyond. Each project begins with careful study of the existing architecture, ensuring new work feels authentic, proportionate and true to the building’s history.
Because heritage work isn’t about replacing features. It’s about continuing the story of a home, carefully and respectfully, for the next generation.
Discuss Your ProjectOur joiners regularly recreate windows and doors to match original specifications, preserving historic detail while incorporating modern performance standards for comfort, efficiency and longevity. This expertise has led us to work alongside organisations including the Yorkshire Conservation Trust, supporting the restoration and sensitive renovation of historic properties throughout North Yorkshire.
Where Heritage Consent is required, we work closely with architects, conservation officers and local authorities, guiding clients through the process with clarity and reassurance. Our aim is always to make complex projects feel straightforward — minimising disruption while protecting the integrity of the building.
Explore Our WorkThe range of timbers best suited to conservation area buildings and heritage properties includes Accoya®, Oak and Sapele hardwood. Certain woods are more susceptible to moisture absorption and swelling, which may make them unsuitable for outdoor use. We will guide you through the best materials, the most efficient glazing, maintenance-free finishes, and the most suitable options for your project.
Explore Timbers & OptionsWe can do heritage window restoration to your exact specifications and Consent regulations using the finest pre-finished and painted hardwoods crafted in our Sherburn-in-Elmet workshop between Leeds and York in the heart of Yorkshire. We can craft exact replicas, modify styles, and colour-match any shade to match your Heritage colour scheme. So, when we install your custom-made heritage windows, they will match your historic property perfectly. We have completed many projects for heritage windows and doors for properties holding both Listed status and non-listed.
See Replacement ProjectsReplacing old wooden windows transforms your home’s aesthetics and efficiency. With decades of experience, we have installed the finest wooden windows in rural and conservation areas; we have refined the art of customising frames and styles to suit the character and era of your home. When replacing windows in conservation areas, we can guide you on what is allowed, what changes you can make, and which materials to use. Planning permission is usually required for properties in conservation areas, and we can assist you with this. Even if you seek like-for-like timber windows in a conservation area, you will need planning permission.
Heritage Conservation Area ProjectWe use the finest glazing systems designed for historic buildings and windows in conservation areas to ensure eco-efficiency and thermal management, yet retain the character and charm of your period property in a range of specialist options, from leaded windows or stained glass designs to self-cleaning glass, all with positive impacts on thermal and acoustic insulation. All our glazing is manufactured to be durable, complementing the style and function of period windows and conforming to The Heritage Building Consent. Talk to us about any specific requirements – our industry-leading skillset is limitless.
We specialise in restoring, replacing, or upgrading heritage conservatories and orangeries on rural buildings in conservation areas. Our decades of experience with protected properties and conservation areas enable us to work closely with specialist architects to create garden rooms and sunrooms that harmoniously fit your historic property, comply with regulations, and enhance and protect the value of your home.
Explore This ProjectIn a conservation area, planning permission is not usually required to replace windows if the property is a single house. (NB, it must not be a commercial flat or commercial property).
However, the local authority can impose special controls that withdraw permitted development rights. In plain English, this means that the local authority can restrict work without planning permission. Where this is the case, the local authority will need to be informed and planning permission granted before any changes to materials, details, design, or decorative finish are planned. We often see this where clients want to replace timber windows, either with UPVC or to change the shape or period style from the original.
At David H Wright Joinery, fitting timber windows in properties within a conservation area is a large part of our business. We have over 30 years of experience reproducing the most complicated periods as exact replicas of the originals using modern timbers.
Enquire NowIf your heritage or listed property features timber doors that are irreparable, insecure, or inefficient, we are equipped to assist you with their replacement while ensuring compliance with relevant listed consents and regulations. Our services aim to preserve the historic integrity of your heritage door while providing expert guidance on sensitive modifications or redesigns for the replacement. We utilise suitable materials and incorporate specialised glazing and mechanisms to enhance durability and energy efficiency while maintaining the distinctive character and aesthetic of your period or listed property.
Doors
Brief us on your project for a free, no obligation quote. Everything we make is covered by our 5-Year Guarantee and 10-Year Glazing Warranty. We’re here to help from design through manufacture to installation and aftercare. Begin your bespoke quote now.
