Turnberry Lighthouse, Girvan

Turnberry Lighthouse Preserved for the Future with Heritage Window Restoration

Perched on the dramatic South Ayrshire coastline, Turnberry Lighthouse has stood as a striking landmark since 1873. Commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board to warn vessels away from Bristo Rock, the Category B listed building remains one of the oldest man-made structures on the Turnberry estate, and one of its most recognisable symbols.

In recent years, the lighthouse has taken on a new role, becoming home to luxury accommodation following renovation works completed in 2016. With the building now used as a high-end guest space, maintaining comfort, energy efficiency, and weather resilience became essential, without compromising the lighthouse’s historic fabric.

This project became a standout example of heritage window restoration in a coastal environment, combining traditional craftsmanship with discreet modern performance upgrades.

Project Scope: Challenges and Solutions

As with many historic coastal buildings, Turnberry Lighthouse faced the dual pressures of age and exposure. The existing windows were deteriorating and no longer providing the performance required for a modern-use property. Draughts, failing units, and reduced insulation were impacting comfort, while the listed status demanded a sensitive conservation-led approach.

Ventrolla was initially appointed to restore and replace six windows, introducing conservation-friendly double-glazed sash units to improve performance while preserving the building’s character. Following the success of this first phase, Ventrolla was recommissioned to complete the remaining 18 windows across the property.

All works were completed in December 2025, ensuring the entire lighthouse now benefits from consistent window performance and long-term durability.

Conservation-Friendly Window Replacement

Where restoration was no longer viable due to the condition of the existing units, Ventrolla delivered careful replacement using conservation-friendly double-glazed sash windows. Each new window was designed to respect the original appearance and proportions, ensuring the lighthouse retained its historic aesthetic.

This approach ensured the property gained the benefits of modern glazing and improved comfort while remaining visually aligned with the building’s original architecture.

VPSS Draught-Proofing for Coastal Protection

Given the lighthouse’s exposed setting, improving weather resistance and eliminating draughts was essential. Ventrolla installed its industry-leading award-winning Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) throughout the property.

The VPSS system creates an effective barrier against:

• cold air and draughts
• rattling sashes
• water and dust ingress

It also delivers significant acoustic improvement, achieving noise reduction levels of up to 6–10 dB(A). Beyond comfort, the system can improve the Window Energy Rating (WER) by up to 30%, providing measurable performance benefits while remaining discreet and heritage-appropriate.

A Landmark Upgraded for Modern Use

The completed works have ensured Turnberry Lighthouse is now better equipped for modern living while retaining the craftsmanship and character that has defined it for over 150 years. With all 24 windows upgraded, the building benefits from enhanced thermal comfort, smoother operation, and improved protection against the harsh coastal climate.

Mark Flanagan, Managing Director of Ventrolla, commented:  “Our goal was to bring the windows up to a modern standard for comfort and energy efficiency, whilst also respecting and honouring the craftsmanship of those who first built the property.”

“It was incredibly exciting to be invited back to the property to complete work on the remaining 18 windows, ensuring Turnberry Lighthouse will stand proud for hundreds more years.”

Preserving Heritage with Performance

The Turnberry Lighthouse project highlights Ventrolla’s ability to deliver sensitive restoration and replacement solutions in some of the UK’s most prestigious heritage settings. By combining conservation-led workmanship with innovative draught-proofing technology, Ventrolla has helped protect an iconic Scottish landmark—ensuring it remains both historically authentic and fit for modern use.

For more information on how Ventrolla can support your heritage property, visit ventrolla.co.uk or call 0800 0277 454.