Crafting Heritage: Windsor Castle’s North Terrace

Crafting Heritage: Solid Oak Benches and Tables for Windsor Castle’s North Terrace

There are projects that challenge your craftsmanship, and then there are projects that ask you to quietly step into history. Our recent commission to create a series of solid oak benches and tables for the Benugo coffee shop within the grounds of Windsor Castle was very much the latter.

Working within such an iconic and historically rich setting brings a unique sense of responsibility. Every decision—from material selection to the smallest design detail—must respect the heritage of the surroundings while still serving a contemporary purpose. This project, designed by Path Design and brought to life by Forest to Home, was a careful balance of tradition, durability, and understated elegance.

Rooted in English Oak

At the heart of the project was the material itself: locally sourced, English-grown oak. This wasn’t simply a design choice—it was a commitment to authenticity. Using timber grown in the same landscape as the castle helps the furniture feel inherently connected to its environment.

Oak has long been synonymous with British craftsmanship and architecture. Its strength, character, and longevity make it the perfect material for furniture intended to endure both time and heavy use. Each plank carried its own grain pattern and natural variation, giving every bench and table a quiet individuality while still maintaining a cohesive overall look.

Design Inspired by Historic Timber Structures

The design direction drew subtle but meaningful inspiration from the castle itself—particularly the remarkable timber structures found within St George’s Hall. The exposed ceiling beams, with their refined mouldings and carefully considered profiles, served as a key reference point.

Rather than replicating these details directly, we interpreted them into the furniture in a contemporary way. Gentle moulds and softened edges were introduced into the bench profiles, echoing the craftsmanship seen in the historic crucks above. These details are not immediately obvious, but they create a sense of familiarity—an unspoken dialogue between the furniture and its architectural surroundings.

This approach ensured the pieces felt at home within the castle grounds without appearing overly decorative or out of place.

Built for Everyday Use

While the aesthetic needed to respect the setting, the furniture also had to meet the practical demands of a busy coffee shop. The North Terrace is a lively space, welcoming a steady flow of visitors throughout the day.

Durability was therefore essential. The solid oak construction provides both strength and resilience, while the design ensures stability and comfort for daily use. The benches were crafted to invite people to sit, linger, and enjoy the surroundings—whether with a morning coffee or an afternoon pause.

Every joint, surface, and finish was carefully considered to withstand the rigours of public use while aging gracefully over time.

A Natural Fit for the North Terrace

Now installed on the North Terrace, the benches and tables sit comfortably within their historic setting. Surrounded by views of the castle grounds, they form part of a space where past and present meet effortlessly.

There is something particularly rewarding about seeing handcrafted furniture settle into a place with such depth of history. The oak will continue to mature, developing a patina that reflects years of use—quietly becoming part of the story of the space itself.

A Collaboration of Craft and Design

This project was a true collaboration. Path Design’s thoughtful vision guided the aesthetic direction, while Forest to Home’s craftsmanship translated those ideas into tangible, enduring pieces.

Together, the result is furniture that does more than serve a function—it complements its surroundings, honours its material, and contributes to the experience of visitors to Windsor Castle.

Projects like this remind us why we do what we do. When design, material, and setting align, the outcome is something that feels both timeless and purposeful—a small but meaningful addition to a much larger story.