Coastal Window Replacement Brightens 100-Year-Old Portsmouth Home

Set along the Elizabeth River, this 100-year-old Portsmouth home captures everything coastal living should be: sunlight, breezes and expansive water views. But after decades of use, the original windows had lost their efficiency, letting in drafts instead of light. The homeowners wanted a solution that improved insulation without blocking the natural beauty just outside. 

Working with Pella Virginia, they selected Pella Lifestyle Series double-hung windows in a classic white finish. The result is a fresh, cohesive look that complements the home’s timeless architecture while improving energy performance and indoor comfort year-round.

The homeowners love the historic charm of their century-old home and wanted to retain its coastal Colonial feel. The modern window installation was carefully planned to maintain the original proportions of each opening, blending new craftsmanship with existing design details. 

The windows were finished in bright white on the inside and almond on the outside, a combination that keeps the interior crisp while adding subtle warmth against the home’s white brick façade.

Beyond the aesthetic improvements, the double-hung replacement windows feature dual-pane Low-E glass with argon gas, significantly reducing heat transfer and helping the home stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. 

From inside, the new windows make every room feel brighter and more open. From the street, the white frames bring a sense of balance and polish, complementing the home’s soft neutral siding and deep blue accents. The project transformed both comfort and curb appeal—without losing the home’s original soul.

This Portsmouth project is a perfect example of how replacement windows in Virginia homes can combine modern energy performance with enduring style. The Pella Lifestyle Series wood windows bring together wood interiors and aluminum-clad exteriors for lasting durability—ideal for coastal environments where humidity and salt air can challenge older materials. 

For these homeowners, the upgrade meant more than just efficiency—it meant restoring the light, beauty and connection to the water that makes their house feel like home.