Winterbourne Heating & Air
Quietly, Consistently Reliable
Specializing in the restoration, installation, and crafting of authentic medieval great-hall hearth-style fireplaces, furnace chambers, and boiler systems — designed to bring the warmth and grandeur of a castle hall into modern homes and businesses. Every project is built with period-appropriate materials and techniques, inspired by the craftsmanship of ancient guilds.
Our story
Founded in 1998, Bernard Novotny began crafting custom great-hall hearths after discovering a collection of forgotten 13th-century furnace blueprints in a Chicago basement. The business grew from there, becoming known for its ability to blend historical authenticity with modern efficiency in every installation.
Behind the scenes
Why Winterbourne Heating & Air
Medieval Great-Hall Hearth Guild Expertise
Bernard Novotny, founder of Winterbourne Heating & Air, is a master craftsman in the ancient art of castle-style fireplace and furnace installation. As a guild artisan, he brings the time-honored traditions of medieval heating into modern homes, ensuring every hearth pit, furnace door, and chimney flue restoration is crafted with authenticity and unparalleled skill.
Custom Forge-Forged Iron Furnace Doors
Unlike generic HVAC replacements, Winterbourne Heating & Air specializes in the installation of guild-forged iron furnace doors — an exclusive specialty that combines historical aesthetics with high-performance heating. Each door is custom-forged to match the architectural character of your home while delivering optimal heat distribution.
24/7 Emergency Medieval-Style Hearth Care
When your great-hall hearth fails or your boiler chokes, you don't wait. That’s why Bernard offers a dedicated 24/7 emergency line for no-heat/no-cool emergencies — because in the world of medieval heating, comfort never sleeps. Whether it's a stone chimney flue collapse or a furnace unit failure, Winterbourne is there when you need them most.
Frequently asked
At Winterbourne Heating & Air, I specialize in the restoration and installation of castle great-hall hearth pits, guild-forged iron furnace doors, and stone chimney flue restoration—styles that bring medieval charm and authentic warmth to homes. Unlike typical HVAC contractors, I work with historic and custom heating elements that blend old-world craftsmanship with modern efficiency.
Yes, I offer a 24/7 emergency service line for urgent no-heat/no-cool situations. Whether it's a broken guild-forged iron furnace door or a failing stone chimney flue restoration, my team is ready to respond at any hour. Normal business hours are Monday through Saturday from 8am to 4pm.
I’ve been serving the Chicago area for over 28 years, starting Winterbourne Heating & Air in 1998. During that time, I’ve installed countless castle great-hall hearth pits and restored historic stone chimney flue systems for homeowners who want both comfort and character.
I focus on installing and maintaining castle great-hall hearth pits, guild-forged iron furnace doors, and modern high-efficiency furnace units that work harmoniously with traditional or restored stonework. My approach combines old-world aesthetics with today's energy efficiency to ensure lasting warmth in your home.