Historically Accurate Windows Complement Red House

Tucked away on Aquidneck Island, this one-of-a-kind Portsmouth home has a story to tell. What started as a barn in the 1800s was transformed into a cozy residence in the 1960s, complete with four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. While the layout has changed, the home’s historic charm has shined through. When the current homeowners decided it was time to refresh the exterior with new windows and doors, they turned to Pella Southern New England for a solution that balanced modern performance with timeless character.

To keep the home’s classic farmhouse feel, we recommended wood windows that bring both elegance and historical accuracy. The homeowners loved the idea of honoring the original design, so we went with windows that feature historic putty profiles—subtle details that mimic the look of traditional hand-applied putty. These profiles not only recreate the original angles but also add depth and character with their shadow lies. The finishing touch? Grilles designed to look like they were shaped with an old-school putty knife. It was the perfect way to bring back the charm of the 1960s windows while upgrading to something fresh and lasting.

Pella Reserve — Traditional wood windows were the perfect choice with their unlimited customization options and lasting durability. The wooden frames are dipped in our EnduraGuard® advanced wood protection for extra strength against the Northeastern elements. The home overlooks the Sakonnet River which experiences high winds and snowy winters. These wood windows and doors also have a Seacoast EnduraClad® exterior finish which adds another protective layer against high salt exposure, keeping the frames in good condition. These homeowners can rest assured their windows will stand tough through the humid summers and grueling Portsmouth winter months.

To enjoy the coastal views and fresh ocean air, our team suggested double-hung windows with Pella’s Integrated Rolscreen retractable screen for its clean, polished look. This innovative screen showcases thoughtful design— it seamlessly appears when the window is open and retracts out of sight when closed. The Integrated Rolscreen perfectly complements the wood window selection, adding more light and fresh air into the space.

Traditional style homes are easily identified by their gabled roofs, wood siding and focus on symmetry. This home is a prime example of traditional elegance in Portsmouth. We suggested using traditional grilles with integral light technology to upgrade the look of these replacement windows. These grilles are permanently placed on the inside and outside of the glass. They use nonglare foam spaces to create the look of true-divided-light, which makes them more historically accurate.

To keep the insects out while the doors are open, our team recommended adding a hinged screen to the new French doors. This aluminum screen door is hinged to the frame and swings outwards, like a regular hinged patio door. The black exterior finish of the screen door matches the aluminum-cladding color of the patio door, creating a seamless transition between the two. When the doors are opened, an abundance of fresh air and sunlight illuminate the space without the unwanted bugs. The room now feels brighter and more inviting, allowing the homeowners to take in their copper beech tree views.

This Portsmouth home has its own unique historical charm— originally used as a barn to store hay and livestock— this property was completely transformed into a comfortable residence in the 1960s. When the current homeowners knew it was time to replace their original windows and doors, they paired with Pella Southern New England to find a solution that would honor the architecture and style of their historic home. Our clients love their new additions that deliver traditional style and lasting durability.