Are you doing full frame or insert replacements?

When I replaced my windows the old "character" mostly came from the aluminum triple-track storm windows :-) ! So I'm not sure what you are looking for here?

What are you replacing them with?

Full frame as there are rotted sills on some We most recently looked st Anderson that are not wood exteriot We do not like they look so flat Double or single hung (existing are single.

So - when I replaced my windows I used "insert" windows - they had no problem replacing some rotten sills in the process - others were just "bondo"d. The exterior trim was also replaced. I mainly used inserts because I didn't want to disturb the interior trim. I used Andersen 400 windows.

So I just went out and looked at them - I guess they are "flat" in that they don't protrude from the trim/sills but they look fine to me. Perhaps post photos of your existing windows and tell us what you see as adding character? Maybe then we can help.