Thursday Doors: Thatched Cottages
Posted on: March 6, 2025
- In: Doors | Travel
- 135 Comments
I have always been intrigued by thatched cottages as we don’t have such a thing in Canada. So when friends in Hampshire took me for a drive in the country and we came upon some, I was delighted. They kindly stopped so I could take pictures.
Thatched cottages on the side of the road; something you would not see in Canada. This is the village of Wherwell.
Straight from a storybook!
The charming village of Monxton. An entire village of thatched roofed houses.
A thatched roof is made from dry vegetation such as straw, reeds, and rushes, layered and fastened together to create a waterproof covering, that provides excellent insulation.
I like the curvy roof, rounded door, and lavender growing in the front yard of this house.
Thatched roofs are quite flammable, and after the Great Fire of London, thatched roofs were banned in the cities. You will only see them in the countryside.
Thatching requires considerable skill and experience. Due to the specialised labour required, it is relatively expensive to have a thatched roof. Thatching is a dying craft, with few skilled thatchers remaining. The craft is often passed down through the family.
When I was in Ireland, friends took me to a wonderful restaurant in a 200-year-old thatched-roofed building. What a lovely treat. Established in 1780, Treacy’s is one of the oldest places in Ireland that has continued and been maintained by the same family. Currently, the seventh and eighth generations of Treacy’s serve its clientele.
I hope you enjoyed these charming thatched-roofed buildings. I’m pleased there are some still around and being maintained.
Thursday Doors is a weekly challenge created by Dan Antion for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments on Dan’s blog post. Check out all the other door posts too.
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135 Responses to "Thursday Doors: Thatched Cottages"
March 6, 2025 at 9:26 pm
I have watched videos of the men that create these. such an art!
March 6, 2025 at 9:40 pm
Fabulous, I love these types of houses / cottages too.
March 6, 2025 at 10:30 pm
I love those roofs, Darlene. I’ve seen photos of thatched roofs before, but none as large or curvy as these. The roofs look like fitted hats. Thanks for sharing these.
March 6, 2025 at 10:33 pm
I believe these were well maintained thatched roofs. Like Sheree said, picture postcard perfect! So pleased you liked them.
March 6, 2025 at 11:01 pm
Thatched roofs are charming to see. We had a house like that in the village where I spent my childhood. The owner once told me that while it was lovely to look at it gave him an ongoing battle with the mice that lived in it!
March 6, 2025 at 11:08 pm
That alone would put me off of having one. Nice to look at though. Apparently the roofs need to be replaced about every 50 years. (at great expense)
March 6, 2025 at 11:18 pm
Likewise! And yes, they don’t last for ever and are fiendishly expensive to replace.
March 6, 2025 at 11:23 pm
I’m with you, Darlene! Those curvy rooflines…gorgeous!
🥰❤️🥰
March 6, 2025 at 11:29 pm
I believe I squealed with delight when we came across these houses. (like a twelve-year-old)
March 6, 2025 at 11:55 pm
Hi, Darlene – I love thatched roofs too – and your photos here are gorgeous. Although not as common as in other areas, I do believe we have some thatched roofs in northern and western Canada. Here’s some info I found on this. https://thatchinginfo.com/thatching-in-canada-united-states-mexico/#:~:text=The%20thatching%20method%2C%20widely%20employed,of%20the%20previous%20lower%20course.
March 7, 2025 at 2:01 am
Thanks for the fascinating information, Donna. The only time I saw a thatched roof cottage in Canada was in Victoria where there is a replica of Anne Hathaway’s cottage on the grounds of The Old English Inn.
March 7, 2025 at 12:23 am
Loved this tour into the past! They look so unique, I wondered why they aren’t used any longer and you of course told me as I read on: of COURSE they must be flammable! Still, love the look and hope they last forever!
March 7, 2025 at 1:28 am
As charming as they are, they are very flammable and as Clive mentioned, nasty things like mice and bugs sometimes live in them. I’m glad there are still some around and hope they continue to maintain them. it was great to discover an entire village of them.
March 7, 2025 at 3:10 am
Oh my, mice and bugs changes the dynamic a bit for wanting to have one! Terrific photos!
March 7, 2025 at 12:52 am
As you remind us, thatched roofs remind us of pictures in story books. They also take me into fairy-tale land. Thanks for the photos, Darlene!
March 7, 2025 at 1:04 am
Thatched-roof architecture is gorgeous! Thank you for the photos, Darlene!
March 7, 2025 at 1:42 am
I loved your thatched roof cottages. We saw a number of them when we lived in England, but not as many as you posted.
March 7, 2025 at 1:48 am
One of the charming things about England. This was a village of thatched roofed cottages!
March 7, 2025 at 1:48 am
These unique houses are amazing, Darlene. And I’m sure thatching is a dying craft, with all the modern construction materials available. Thank you for sharing. I love the field of lavender!
March 7, 2025 at 1:50 am
These were taken in June and there was lavender everywhere. I loved it in front of the cottages especially.
March 7, 2025 at 1:52 am
Yes, there are plenty of thatched roofs here in the UK. We have many in our village too. On the Isle of Wight there is a rather quaint olde-worlde street of houses called ‘Winkle Street’. If ever you’re on the IOW I’m sure you’d love this street.
March 7, 2025 at 2:16 am
That would be cool to visit. We also saw some years ago in Cockington, Devon.
March 7, 2025 at 2:16 am
I also love these old fashioned and quaint English cottages with thatched roof. I wouldn’t live in one though. You get bugs in thatch.
March 7, 2025 at 2:19 am
I agree, I wouldn’t want to live in one. But they are cool to see and it was a nice surprise to come across.
March 7, 2025 at 3:07 am
Great pictures of the thatched roofs! These storybook roofs are so practical and good looking.
March 7, 2025 at 3:28 am
I had to read your post twice because the first time, all I saw was those thatched roofs. Forgot to check out the doors!
March 7, 2025 at 3:35 am
My in-laws had a thatched cottage and it was gorgeous. They really are picturesque.
March 7, 2025 at 3:38 am
How wonderful. I have never met anyone who actually lived in one!
March 7, 2025 at 3:51 am
It’s so gorgeous and I loved the beams inside and sloped ceilings.
March 7, 2025 at 4:52 am
They are very charming, Darlene. In these closer views, the thatching looks different than I expected — rather like felt. Just as I was thinking how terrifying that kind of roof would be here (we’re already having “fire weather” warnings) you mentioned the ban in London. A wonderful doors post.
By the way, I’ve lost track. In what country are you living now? Hugs.
March 7, 2025 at 5:17 am
Thanks, Teagan. So pleased you like these quaint cottages. I know, I’m difficult to keep track of. I’m living in Spain now and return to Canada every year for a few weeks. xo
March 9, 2025 at 9:03 am
Ah! That’s where I got lost. I thought it was the other way around. Happy weekend. 🙂
March 7, 2025 at 7:24 am
Darlene, these thatched roof homes are some of my favorite memories of living in England. The village is just magical!
March 7, 2025 at 7:46 am
I’m glad the pictures brought back good memories. How long did you live in England?
March 7, 2025 at 7:32 am
Wonderful house and beautiful scenic photos Darlene. I enjoyed your share. Thank you!
March 7, 2025 at 7:37 am
Oh, I love thatched roofs, Darlene. I have read that the craftsmanship involved in creating them is an art form, requiring skill and knowledge that has been passed down through generations.
March 7, 2025 at 7:52 am
This is true. There are not many left who have the special skills to do thatching which is why these roofs are very expensive now. It’s because of thatched roofs that we have the saying, “It’s raining cats and dogs.” In medieval times, animals used to live on the roofs and when it rained heavily, they would sometimes fall through and into the house. Hence it was literally raining cats and dogs!
March 7, 2025 at 7:56 am
I did not know this, Darlene! Thank you. I continue to learn!!!!
March 7, 2025 at 8:07 am
love the photos, Darlene. I’m obsessed with thatched roofs💕
March 7, 2025 at 8:16 am
They are so appealing, probably because there are not many of them around.
March 7, 2025 at 8:24 am
Great door, Darlene. Thatched roofs are delightful
March 7, 2025 at 8:28 am
I love thatched-roofed cottages.. they have such characters!
March 7, 2025 at 9:02 pm
Each one is unique which makes them so special. Thanks for dropping in.
March 7, 2025 at 8:45 am
I like the look of the thatched cottage, but I’d worry about critters.
March 7, 2025 at 9:04 pm
I would too. I’m sure modern methods would keep them out. They are great to look at though.
March 8, 2025 at 11:22 am
I like the cottage style anyway, regardless of the type. I like them all!
March 7, 2025 at 11:39 am
Those are great examples of thatched roofs, Darlene, and you’re right, they’re not here in Canada. I haven’t seen them since I was last in England many years ago.
March 7, 2025 at 9:06 pm
There used to be one at the Olde English Inn in Victoria. It was supposed to be a replica of Ann Hathaway’s cottage. Not sure if it is still there. (It was there 11 years ago when I visited, but in disrepair as they couldn’t find anyone to fix the thatched roof!)
March 8, 2025 at 3:13 am
Oh yes! I remember that now that you mention it, but it’s probably been over 30 years since I saw it.
March 7, 2025 at 12:24 pm
They truly look like something from a children’s book. Unfortunately, we already have more than our fair share of fires in California.
March 7, 2025 at 9:08 pm
To me, they are straight out of a children’s nursery story book. They would not be wise in California that’s for sure.
March 7, 2025 at 2:54 pm
Unless it is extremely old you rarely see Thatched houses in Sweden (my native country) either, and certainly never in Texas (where I live now). These are great photos.
March 7, 2025 at 9:09 pm
I’m pleased you liked the photos, Thomas. I believe the Vikings built thatched roofed houses a long time ago.
March 8, 2025 at 5:21 am
Yes I think that is what I’ve seen vikings and iron age people
March 7, 2025 at 4:24 pm
They are beautiful. I hope they continue. We certainly don’t have anything nearly so traditionally crafted here in Nevada, US.
March 7, 2025 at 8:32 pm
A fine range of pictures so familiar to me
March 7, 2025 at 9:10 pm
Thanks, Derrick. I imagine you get to see these thatched roofed cottages all the time. I’m so glad that they are being preserved in England.
March 7, 2025 at 9:15 pm
Beautiful captures of the charming thatched cottages. You’re right, we don’t have them in Canada.
March 7, 2025 at 9:17 pm
You can imagine how excited I was when we came upon them. My friends took a special route as they knew I would love them.
March 7, 2025 at 10:05 pm
Another thing to look out for – in some parts of the country a thatcher may have an individual signature, such as a straw pheasant, which they will add to the roof. Really attractive!
March 7, 2025 at 10:09 pm
I didn’t know that. Thanks for the info. Do you have many thatched roofs in your area?
March 7, 2025 at 10:28 pm
Not so much here as where I formerly lived but one was re-thatched locally a few years ago and it was fascinating seeing the process and progress!
March 8, 2025 at 8:09 am
I love the look of the thatched cottage and the roof, Darlene. I wonder how it’s built and what materials to use before adding the vegetable materials. It looks quite thick.
March 9, 2025 at 8:28 am
It is very attractive. Maybe this will give you an idea of how it is constructed. https://evolvinghome.co/how-to-make-a-thatched-roof/
March 9, 2025 at 9:29 am
It’s very attractive. I’ll check out the link. Thank you, Darlene. I’ve seen a small one when we were in London.
March 8, 2025 at 10:06 pm
I am used to seeing thatched roofs, not so much locally, but in nearby Cheshire and in Cumbria, where my family live. But I hadn’t considered them as not being prevalent elsewhere. These are particularly fine examples of the craft.
March 9, 2025 at 8:31 am
Thanks, Paul. From what I’ve read, they are making a comeback in the UK, for those who can afford them.
March 9, 2025 at 9:03 am
Thanks for sharing Darlene!! Love the architecture of the buildings highlighted by thatched roofs….so awesome!!
March 9, 2025 at 5:46 pm
Thanks, Kirt. I’m sure you could do something awesome with one of these photos. I don’t mind you using them if you wish.
March 9, 2025 at 10:44 am
Hi Darlene, these thatched roof buildings are so charming. And, as you say, the craftsmanship shows in the designs. I’d be worried about fires, though and can understand why they have been banned in cities. A very clever way to put a roof on the house, though!
March 10, 2025 at 1:22 am
Thatched roofs intrigue! Love the photos. You will also find many of these in the northern parts of Germany. Happy Sunday! oxox
March 10, 2025 at 1:29 am
I thought they would be in Germany too. We saw a couple in the Northern part of Spain. They were shepherd’s huts. Glad you liked the photos.
March 10, 2025 at 11:36 pm
Probably where abundant tall grasses grow. They have to renew them every few years. Shepherd’s huts sound so quaint. Enjoy your travels! oxox
March 10, 2025 at 1:29 am
Those are beautiful buildings, Darlene. What charm! I would be right beside you taking photos. As you can probably guess, we don’t have thatched roofs in the US either. It’s too bad they may become a thing on the past. They’re magical.
March 10, 2025 at 1:42 am
They are magical aren’t they. They seem to be picking up in popularity again. I imagine there will always be some around, even if just for the tourists.
March 10, 2025 at 6:17 am
I loved these thatched roofs!
March 10, 2025 at 9:05 pm
Thank you. The houses are lovely. One of my favoriate things to do travelling is seeing different designs / homes. Also Canada!!
March 10, 2025 at 9:26 pm
I love doing that too. The houses can tell you a lot about the people, the culture and the history. Thanks for stopping by.
March 10, 2025 at 9:34 pm
Love this, Darlene!
March 10, 2025 at 10:57 pm
Thanks, Toni. don’t imagine you see may of these in your part of the world.
March 11, 2025 at 2:48 am
Beautiful thatched cottages and pictures, Darlene. Thank you. Xx 🩷
March 11, 2025 at 3:29 am
I’m so pleased you like these pictures, Jane. I was so excited to come across these buildings.
52 | Nancy Andres
March 11, 2025 at 4:21 am
Amazing pictures of the thatched roof cottages. Your post was fun to look at. Thanks for sharing at SSPS#351. Appreciate the opportunity to share my posts- #50 thru 54 with you. Nancy Andres @ Colors 4 Health.
March 11, 2025 at 4:27 am
Thanks so much for dropping by, Nancy! So glad you enjoyed the thatched roofs.
March 11, 2025 at 10:44 am
Darlene, I loved looking at these thatched cottages and learning about them. ❤
March 12, 2025 at 5:44 pm
Very pretty. I lived in a village where there were two of them, and I remember talking to one of the families who told us getting the roof replaced was quite costly and complicated because there weren’t that many people who still did it, so you had to wait for a while and plan it in advance. Thanks, Darlene
March 12, 2025 at 5:50 pm
I can believe that. From what I understand they last from 30 to 50 years. Lucky you to have a couple of them in your village. Thanks for sharing that, Olga.
March 16, 2025 at 12:12 am
Wow!! These are so beautiful! It looks like they belong in a fairytale. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
March 18, 2025 at 3:16 pm
An enchanting village indeed! I would love to visit a village like this and experience the thatched cottages. Lovely!
March 18, 2025 at 5:58 pm
Thanks, Brenda. You would loves these quaint villages. There are a few around England. I’m glad they are still maintained.
June 28, 2025 at 3:47 pm
This really reminds me of the mountain houses in Nepal owned by Sherpas. They have the same cozy, traditional feel. Love how these old styles are still being kept alive!
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March 6, 2025 at 9:23 pm
They are all beautiful Darlene😍
March 6, 2025 at 9:24 pm
Thanks, Arlene.