When Dave and Heather secured their characterful period home at auction, placing the winning bid from a hotel lobby in Ibiza, they knew they were taking on a renovation that would require sensitivity, careful planning, and the right suppliers.

Heather already knew the property well. It had previously been on the market at a much higher price, so when it returned to auction with a guide price within reach, they were determined not to let the opportunity pass. However, the viewing date was released only after they had landed in Ibiza. Undeterred, they asked Heather’s sister and husband to attend on their behalf, conducting a walk-through via FaceTime.

Dave remembers “I moved from beside the pool to the hotel reception to make sure I had Wi-Fi and placed the bid the day before we flew home.” By the time their holiday ended, they were the proud owners of a unique home with a fascinating past and huge potential.

The couple believe parts of their Grade II listed home date back to around 1860, originally serving as the stables for nearby Holbrook Hall. Over time, the building is also thought to have been used as the local school before a purpose-built school was constructed, giving the property an interesting and varied history.

As they began planning their phased renovation, Dave and Heather carried out extensive research into timber window specialists.

They were looking for a supplier who understood heritage requirements, could match original sightlines, and would provide high-quality modern timber windows while maintaining authentic period charm.

Bereco was chosen to design and supply bespoke timber windows, including angled units, all to respect the property’s heritage while meeting planning conditions.

Their renovation journey soon took an unexpected turn. After spotting a post on Instagram, they reached out to Sarah Beeny’s production team, resulting in their home being selected for a new Channel 4 programme, “Sarah Beeny – I Bought It At Auction”.

The first episode aired Wednesday 25th March 2026 with Dave and Heather’s home featuring in episode 6 on Wednesday 29th April 2026. Filming
has been both exciting and eye-opening for the pair, giving them a behind-the-scenes process of how a renovation series is created.

The early stages of the project came with plenty of challenges. From initial surveys to heritage reports, the couple worked closely with their Heritage Officer to agree a route that balanced authentic appearance with improved performance. This allowed for heritage-inspired timber frames, complete with carefully considered glazing bars, profiles, and the distinctive angled window units that reflect the home’s original architectural form. 

Colour played a key role in the final design. After much research, the couple chose Pebble Grey (RAL 7032) externally, a soft, muted tone that complements both the render and stone. Internally, they selected Traffic White (RAL 9016), to create a clean, bright finish throughout. The decision to use Antique Brass ironmongery helped tie the windows into the home’s existing fixtures and fittings, while also satisfying the Heritage Officer’s preference for period-appropriate hardware. The result is a warm, understated finish that feels timeless.

Throughout the process, our team supported Dave and Heather with a clear and straightforward approach. For the angled windows, our Project Manager, Claire Törincsi, received CAD templates that were carefully converted into accurate working drawings, refined within 3-5mm to account for any variations. These were then printed full-scale and used as templates to quality-check the manufactured frames prior to delivery, ensuring absolute accuracy.

Reflecting on the experience, Dave shared, “Perfect, couldn’t fault it. Highly recommend to anyone looking to purchase bespoke timber windows.”

The first phase of the installation, including one of the bespoke angled windows along with a tall, fixed window in the lounge, was completed during one of the filming days. Dave and Heather later praised our installers, saying, “Lee and Chris were total professionals throughout, even with a camera recording their every step.”

Even with only two angled windows installed at the front and five windows on the rear elevation, the transformation has already been remarkable. As the couple put it: “Honestly the quality and look of the windows speaks for itself even from people passing by the house we hear it all the time and we only have 2 at the front of the house imagine how good the house will look when they are all in.” The combination of refined sightlines, authentic detailing, and the comfort of double-glazing has already brought a noticeable improvement to the home, both in appearance and everyday performance.

And this is only the beginning. We’ll be returning to Dave and Heather’s project for a follow-up case study once their renovation is complete, so stay tuned for the final transformation!

A TESTIMONIAL FROM DAVE AND HEATHER:

“Nicola and Claire were incredibly professional, helpful, and easy to work

with throughout the entire process. The quality of the wooden windows is excellent—Bereco is the only company I would recommend for anyone looking for high-quality timber windows. Lee and Chris did a flawless job with the installation. Their attention to detail and workmanship were outstanding. You can tell they really know their craft. Couldn’t be happier—highly recommend!” 

PROJECT ATA GLANCE

Location: Holbrook, Derbyshire
No. of Bereco Windows & Doors: Phase 1 includes 7 windows
Beading Style: Traditional Internal Ovolo Mouldings and External Putty Style Design
Window Styles: Flush Casements
Internal Colour: RAL 9016 Traffic White
External Colour: RAL 7032 Pebble Grey
Ironmongery Finish: Bulb End Antique Brass