The county of Buckinghamshire exists outside London’s urban area through its green hills and English villages and towns and ancient woodlands.
The area shows architectural style which stands apart from London because of its combination of historic market squares and grand country estates and diverse local building materials including flint and red brick and timber.
The sash window has remained a fundamental part of this area for many centuries because it evolved to match the historical background and architectural identity of the county.
At Six Over Six we consider the knowledge of Buckinghamshire architectural heritage to be vital for maintaining the beauty of its period properties.
The urban development of London followed a different path than Buckinghamshire which developed through market towns and coaching inns and riverside recreational areas. Join us as we explore the sash window styles that characterise this beautiful county.
The Georgian Era (c. 1714-1837): Coaching Inns and Market Town Elegance
The Georgian period brought Buckinghamshire its most attractive and long-lasting buildings which continue to exist today.
The county’s economic success through farming combined with its position as a London coaching stop produced the elegant market town architecture of townhouses and inns in its historic centers.
Characteristics of Buckinghamshire Georgian Sash Windows:
- Classic Proportions: The six-over-six sash window with its symmetrical design and slender glazing bars appears frequently. The upper part of larger homes contains eight-over-eight or twelve-over-twelve window arrangements.
- Local Materials: Buckinghamshire Georgian buildings show different construction materials compared to London because they use red brick combined with mathematical tiles and local flint instead of brick and stucco.
- Focal Points: The sash windows of coaching inns and merchants’ houses in Beaconsfield and Marlow villages functioned as status symbols through their grand design.
Where to See Georgian Sash Windows in Buckinghamshire:
Old Amersham stands as Buckinghamshire’s most valuable possession because its High Street presents an impressive collection of English architectural history. The area contains beautiful Georgian townhouses which stand next to ancient medieval structures.
The Market Hall from the 17th century stands as a central point while the surrounding buildings show off their prosperous past through their sash windows.

The historic High Street of Old Amersham, where elegant Georgian facades and classic sash windows are a defining feature.
Beaconsfield’s Old Town serves as an additional excellent location to experience Georgian architecture. The town functions as a crucial transportation hub between London and Oxford which features numerous historic coaching inns and grand residences that display classic sash window symmetry.
Beaconsfield is a classic example of a Georgian coaching inn with its distinctive sash windows.
Buckingham stands as the historical county seat which makes it an essential destination for those who appreciate Georgian architectural design.
The town centre around Market Square contains numerous Georgian townhouses which display their original sash windows in excellent condition.

The elegant Georgian townhouses of Market Square, Buckingham, showcasing the classic proportions of the era.
The Victorian Era (c. 1837-1901): Railway Towns and Riverside Villas
The railways brought Buckinghamshire into a new era during the 19th century by establishing direct links between its market towns and London which sparked fresh urban growth. The Victorian style became visible through the growth of High Wycombe and Aylesbury towns and the development of Marlow as a riverside resort destination.
Characteristics of Victorian Sash Windows in Buckinghamshire:
- The development of glass technology allowed manufacturers to create bigger glass sheets. The two-over-two sash window design became the preferred choice because it offered better visibility and increased natural light.
- Sash Horns: These functional and decorative additions were introduced to support the heavier weight of the new plate glass sashes and are a key identifier of Victorian windows.
- The Victorian era brought bay windows to Buckinghamshire homes because people wanted both decorative designs and expanded room dimensions.
Where to See Victorian Sash Windows in Buckinghamshire:
During the Victorian period Marlow emerged as a preferred location for affluent Londoners due to its riverfront position on the Thames.
The waterfront shows this through its numerous large homes which use two-over-two sash windows with big bay windows to show off the spectacular views.

West Street in Marlow, where Victorian buildings with their characteristic flint and brickwork can be seen.
High Wycombe developed into an industrial center of importance during the Victorian period. The town center area features Victorian terraced houses which maintain their original sash windows.

Easton Street in High Wycombe, showing typical Victorian terraced housing.
The Edwardian Era (c. 1901-1910): Metroland and Arts and Crafts
The Metropolitan Railway expansion into Buckinghamshire during the early 1900s brought about “Metroland” which established new suburban development combining urban and rural elements.
The architectural design of this period followed Arts and Crafts principles which promoted handcraftsmanship and basic forms and natural elements.
Characteristics of Edwardian Sash Windows in Buckinghamshire:
- The Edwardian style presents a distinctive window design through its combination of multiple small panes in the upper sash which sits above a single large sash. The design created a decorative cottage appearance while maintaining an unobstructed outdoor view.
- Buckinghamshire Edwardian homes display a combination of red brick and pebbledash render along with exposed timber details which match the design of their sash windows.
Where to See Edwardian Sash Windows in Buckinghamshire:
The Arts and Crafts movement shows its influence in Wendover and Chesham which are towns located within the Chiltern Hills. Here you will find handsome Edwardian family homes with their characteristic sash windows, perfectly blending into the surrounding countryside.

The High Street in Wendover, with its mix of period properties, including Edwardian examples.

Church Street in Chesham, with its charming Victorian and Edwardian cottages.
A Buckinghamshire Comparison: Key Sash Window Features
The following table presents a brief overview of various sash window styles which exist throughout London.
| Feature | Georgian | Victorian | Edwardian |
| Glazing Bars | Six-over-six or eight-over-eight | Two-over-two or one-over-one | Multi-pane upper, single-pane lower |
| Sash Horns | Absent | Present | Present |
| Key Materials | Red brick, flint, mathematical tiles | Brick, stucco, slate roofs | Red brick, render, timber detailing |
| Building Types | Market townhouses, coaching inns | Riverside villas, railway town terrace | Arts & Crafts homes, “Metroland” suburbs |
| Typical Towns | Old Amersham, Beaconsfield, Buckingham | Marlow, Aylesbury, High Wycombe | Wendover, Chesham, Gerrards Cross |
Preserving Buckinghamshire’s Heritage with Six Over Six
The architecture of Buckinghamshire presents a diverse collection of buildings which range from the market squares in Georgian towns to the peaceful Thames riverbanks.
The sash windows in this area reveal the evolution of design preferences and technological advancements and domestic habits through their adaptation to Buckinghamshire’s distinctive architectural style.
At Six Over Six, we have a deep appreciation for this local heritage. Our craftsmen specialise in the restoration and replacement of timber sash windows, ensuring that every detail is in perfect harmony with the period and style of your Buckinghamshire home.
We specialize in preserving the distinctive features of Georgian coaching inns and Victorian villas and Edwardian family houses for future generations.
Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can bring the timeless elegance of traditional sash windows to your Buckinghamshire property.



