Thatched Cottages – what to think about before you buy

Thatched houses epitomise the traditional chocolate box English home, but taking on the maintenance of these picturesque cottages can be daunting. We look at the things to consider as well as highlighting some of the finest examples currently on the market.
Making up around 60,000 of the properties in the UK, purchasers are often drawn to thatched properties because of their quintessential country look. They are keen to own a piece of the English countryside yet, for many, the idea of owning a thatched property can be a daunting one and if you are considering buying one, there are considerations you need to be aware of.
According to our Farnham office , first and foremost it is vital to seek out an insurer with experience of properties with thatched roofs as they will be able to advise on the right level of cover, helping you to avoid unnecessary premiums. It is also important to ensure that those trusted to survey and replace the roof are experienced, knowledgeable and have previous experience in maintaining thatched roofs in the local area. 
Always take advice from a thatching expert on everything from the type of material used, to fire retardant applications to the netting required to deter nesting birds. You must also ensure your chimney is well maintained and regularly swept, further reducing the risk of fire. Once you've taken these steps the prospect of owning a thatched property seems altogether less worrisome.
If you're looking for your own picture postcard property take a look at some of our properties below or get in touch with one of our residential offices.
Tudor Thatch in Oakhanger, Hampshire is currently on the market with our Farnham office and is a beautifully appointed character cottage set in wonderful landscaped gardens. Understood to date from around 1550, this charming 'Lilliput' cottage has been in the same family for 30 years and has been finished to a high standard, notably the thatch was replaced in 2000 and the ridges in 2011.  Well located just under 6 miles from Alton, which provides a service to London Waterloo in 60 minutes, Tudor Thatch would provide a perfect commuter pad for those craving a piece of quintessential English countryside.     
Our Banbury office is selling a charming Grade II listed thatched cottage in the village of Aynho  enjoying views over the Cherwell Valley. Parts of the house originate from the 17th and 18th Centuries and many of the original features remain. The Old Dairy Cottage is within easy reach of the market towns of Banbury and Brackley, as well as the city of Oxford and enjoys landscaped front and back gardens as well as off-road parking.
Also within easy reach of Oxford is 1 Yew Tree Cottage, a beautiful Grade II listed thatched cottage situated within the highly regarded south Oxfordshire village of Hendred which is being marketed by our Summertown office. The property provides spacious and well presented accommodation as well as enjoying the benefit of an additional one bedroom annexe. It is also situated within the catchment of a wealth of good schools including Radley College, The European School and the well regarded Oxford and Abingdon schools making it the perfect choice for a growing family.

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