Have you investigated 'composite' windows? Timber with aluminium cladding on the outside.
We have been requested by the planners to use "conservation" windows in a new house. Some councils include uPVC in that if they are of appropriate appearance. They pointed us towards R9 & R7 windows in uPVC but there are other brands now.
I don't really disagree with them. 90% of British homes have terrible looking uPVC windows in them, all odd proportions and uneven sight lines, and of course the thick profiles.
I used uPVC replacements in our soon-to-be-demolished bunglaow but I had all the sashes fitted in the fixed lights to match the openers. Fortunately the old timber windows were pretty heavily framed and the appearance hardly changed at all.
If I can find some aluminium ones with the right appearance and a reasonable price I'll use those. Otherwise probably "conservation" style uPVC, flush style.
e.g. www.southlakeswindows.com/wp-content/uploads/r9-flush-sash-window-3.jpg
I tend to agree that something built in 1610 probably should not have anything that could be mistaken for uPVC!
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