Owning an historic thatched property can be hugely satisfying and visually pleasing. They can also occasionally be a source of problems for an unlucky minority.

I’ve often thought that you have to be ever so slightly mad to even consider buying a thatched house. The huge benefits are opposed by a healthy batch of potential negatives. It is a heart over head decision, for the romantics.

However, even the worlds most staunch pragmatist should be aware of the many reasons to throw caution to the wind and live in a thatched house.

Firstly, look at it. It’s a matter of taste perhaps, but to many people it’s difficult to compete with the aesthetic of a freshly thatched roof. Even when haggard, covered in moss and approaching the end of their lifespan, they can have a unique appeal.

Thatched roofs are excellent insulators. They mitigate extremes of temperature, helping a house remain cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The thick layers of straw or reed will also insulate effectively against sound. Noises from outside are deadened, making thatched houses quiet and calm.

Historic buildings, especially when they are thatched, have been coveted for years as preferable places to live due to their unique and interesting nature. With an ever expanding population and demand for housing, historic homes remain finite in number, leading many to consider them an appreciating asset.

The reeds, straw and hazel used to make a thatched roof are a completely sustainable resource. As opposed to virtually every other roofing option, thatched roofs are environmentally responsible. When the roof has reached the end of its lifespan, the old thatch can be stripped off and turned to compost.

The thatching trade in Dorset keeps ancient skills alive, brings employment to rural communities and helps the country retain its visual identity.

If you’ve been convinced, consider commissioning a master thatcher to provide a survey before purchasing a thatched property.