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Q&A with Graham - is thatch trouble?
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A. Almost everyone has dreamed of living in a thatched cottage at some time or other. However, despite the alluring epitome of cosiness, most of us never actually buy one. Partly because there aren’t that many around – just over 60,000 of them in the whole of the UK.
Also, although there has been something of a mini-revival in the use of thatch for new architect-designed homes in recent years, around 75% of thatched properties are listed, which comes with some restrictions. And then there’s the thatch itself, which does need special care and attention. There is no denying though that thatch makes a quintessentially beautiful home.
All thatched cottages require re-roofing from time to time, and this can be a costly exercise – so one thing to consider when thinking about buying such a property is the condition of the roof. What kind of thatching material has been used, when was it last replaced (as a rule, long straw needs replacing every 25 years or so, while Norfolk reed can last up to 60 years), and how much would it cost to have it done today? Have any special fire-retardant coatings have been applied, and when? Also, it’s normally necessary to replace the ridge approximately halfway through the roof’s lifetime.
It’s also worth bearing in mind though that no roof lasts forever, and a well-made and maintained thatched roof is in reality very easy to live with. Its naturally insulating properties, the thickness of the projecting eves generally doing away with the need for guttering, and of course there’s the enormous visual appeal, as well as the pleasure of knowing that you are the custodian of a piece of living history.
All in all, for those prepared to face up to the additional responsibilities of ownership, there is undoubtedly something uniquely rewarding about living in a thatched cottage.
We have RICS Chartered Surveyors and property specialists within our team, who can help answer more general questions or those about any specific property.
For more advice, give us a call on 01392 204800.
