Dorset is famed for its beautiful thatched cottages. Evidence suggests that thatching has been a Dorset tradition for more than 2,500 years and until fairly recently, all materials – such as straw, water reed, heather and even sea rushes – used in thatching were of local origin.
Traditionally, thatching was a low-cost solution for roofing and waterproofing the cottages: these were humble dwellings and the roofs were invariably simple and unornamented. Such is the rising demand these days, however, that most thatched cottages now fall into the £400,000 to £700,000 price bracket.
What to look for
The majority of buyers are looking for a detached cottage, with three or four bedrooms, a couple of reception rooms, a decent kitchen and a pretty garden. Original features such as exposed beams are often sought-after, as are listed cottages, though note that rethatching this type of property or one in a conservation area may require listed building consent.
Where to buy
Tarrant Valley and villages surrounding Sherborne and Shaftesbury are particularly popular, with Tollard Royal and Farnham being especially desirable.
(1).png "St James Cottage Blandford")
(1).png "Box cottage Blandford Forum")
(1).png "Old Parsonage Blandord Forum")