From Boarded-Up to Beautiful: Our European Windows Journey
If you’ve been following along on our renovation adventure, you know that transforming our 118-year-old manor into our dream home has been a mix of creativity, patience, and a few surprises along the way. One of the most exciting milestones has been importing European windows for our historic home, finally bringing light, elegance, and charm back into the manor.
Why the Windows Were Such a Big Deal
The original windows, though gorgeous and historic, were in rough shape. Many were broken, some rotted, and a few had even been boarded up after vandalism over the years. The largest windows faced Main Street, so they were the first thing people noticed, meaning they were both a safety concern and a style challenge.
Replacing them was essential, but U.S. quotes were astronomical and completely out of reach. I wasn’t sure it would ever happen without stretching beyond our cash budget.
A Friend and a Bright Idea
Thankfully, a dear friend who had gone through a similar renovation journey helped us navigate a solution. With his guidance, we decided to import German-made windows from a company in Poland. These weren’t just any windows. They are energy-efficient, soundproof, and built with multi-point locking systems for security, all while capturing the elegant inward-opening French-door style I’d been dreaming of.
The mix of French provincial charm and English cottage coziness we’ve been aiming for was finally within reach. I’ve always loved plaster walls, ornate trim, detailed fireplaces, rustic exposed beams , and a neutral, airy palette. The vision has always been light, elegant, and cozy, and these windows are a huge part of bringing that dream to life.
The Import Adventure
Ordering and importing the windows was an adventure in itself. Prices fluctuated with tariffs, so we had to carefully track each quote. Measurements had to be precise, because one wrong calculation could have meant a costly mistake. Because European measurements differ from ours, we translated millimeters to inches and triple-checked everything before sending the order.
Design decisions also came into play. Some window openings were blocked in so we would have to remove them before framing in the window. We decided to eliminate the window in the 2nd full bathroom so we will be using cement blocks to fill in the opening and then cover with a cement render on the exterior. In the master bathroom, we adjusted the style of a window to avoid hitting the freestanding tub faucet. We also had to figure out which windows required tempered glass. It was a few months of careful planning and patience, but every step brought us closer to our vision.
The Moment of Arrival
Last Thursday, the truck finally arrived. My excitement quickly turned to nerves, because we didn’t rent a forklift, and these windows were very heavy. Jason, along with three others, carefully brought the massive windows into our “manor”. Some were over 350 pounds each!! I was giddy with excitement, and also relieved. They had arrived safely, intact, and exactly as I’d hoped. Seeing them stacked inside, ready to be installed, felt like Christmas morning and reminded me that all the hard work was paying off.
Dreaming of the Finished Space
I’ve pinned countless ideas over the years and gone back and forth on design plans, but I’ve finally returned to the original European vision I’ve loved for so long. I want the space to feel light, airy, elegant, and cozy. Though the apartment is about 2,000 square feet, I envision it feeling upscale, bright, and full of warmth.
Rustic elements like the reclaimed beams from my childhood barn will mix with elegant details, like the trim, the fireplace mantle I scored on Facebook Marketplace (if you are on my email list you know exactly what I am talking about), and carefully chosen fixtures. Every decision reflects a dream I’ve nurtured for over a decade, one my mom and I shared together. I know she would have been cheering with me on the sidewalk that day, and thinking of her makes me smile.
Tips for Your Own Renovation Journey
Importing windows can feel intimidating, but for us, it was completely worth it. We saved roughly two-thirds of what we would have spent in the U.S. for an even higher-quality product. If you’re on a strict budget, don’t be afraid to explore imports. They can offer incredible quality at a fraction of the price.
Patience is key in any renovation. You’ll make decisions that feel stressful, and some things might not go exactly as planned. Keeping your dream in sight, being willing to pivot, and enjoying the process will often lead to results even better than you imagined. Every decision, every challenge, and every small victory is part of shaping a home that truly feels like yours.
XO, Bri
More from Our Renovation Journey
Restoring our 118-year-old building has been one of the most rewarding projects of my life. From choosing these authentic European-style windows to uncovering the beauty hidden behind years of old plaster, every step has brought us closer to creating a timeless, European-inspired home filled with character and charm. If you love historic home renovations, old-world design details, or dream of turning a fixer-upper into a cozy, meaningful space, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our renovation journey—installing our reclaimed barn beams, designing my dream kitchen and walk-in pantry, and adding layers of warmth and texture to our old building. You can also follow along on social media for daily glimpses of progress, behind-the-scenes stories, and simple ways to bring European farmhouse style into your own home.
Let’s Stay Connected!
For behind-the-scenes updates, project videos, and glimpses of our historic building restoration (like that $50 Facebook Marketplace fireplace IYKYK 😉), follow along on social media! I share current renovation progress, DIY projects, cozy recipes and everyday life as we turn this old building into our dream European-inspired mini homestead.
