Georgian townhouse, Winchester

James (41, planning consultant) knew exactly what the conservation officer for his Georgian terrace would ask, because asking is his day job: timber, true bars, proportions to match the street. Twelve Georgian 6-over-6 sashes plus a solid front door set went through approval first time — the production drawings James approved were the same drawings the council saw, which shortened the conversation considerably. His builder fitted the lot over a week; the deepest reveal needed packers, all noted on the drawings. The house has gone from the coldest on the terrace to the one the neighbours ask about.