The Cottage, Sampford Courtenay, Devon
Lovely thatched holiday cottage in Devon that accommodates six guests and features a private indoor swimming pool.
Sleeps 6,
Bedrooms 3,
Bathrooms 4
Thatched Holiday Cottages
Browse our collection of highly-rated thatched holiday cottages. Each one is brimming with character both inside and out.
Michaelmas Cottage, Drewsteignton, Devon
Pretty holiday cottage with a thatched roof – it sleeps six and is set on the outskirts of the attractive Devon village of Drewsteignton.
Sleeps 6,
Bedrooms 4,
Bathrooms 2
Lower Sketty Green Lodge, Singleton Park, Swansea
Thatched gate lodge that’s been sympathetically converted to offer stylish, cosy self catering holiday accommodation for up to three.
Sleeps 3,
Bedrooms 2,
Bathrooms 1
Pitt Cottage, Ringstead, Dorset
Set near Ringstead Bay in Dorset, this lovely thatched holiday cottage offers stylish self catering accommodation for up to six guests.
Sleeps 6,
Bedrooms 3,
Bathrooms 2
Elworthy Cottage, Salcombe, Devon
Beautiful Grade II listed holiday cottage for four set on the outskirts of the sleepy Devonshire village of Elworthy.
Sleeps 4,
Bedrooms 2,
Bathrooms 1
Church Cottage and Water Tower, Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire
17th century property that’s been brilliantly converted to offer stylish self catering holiday accommoation for up to 10 guests.
Sleeps 10,
Bedrooms 5,
Bathrooms 4
The Hideaway, Ottery St Mary, Devon
Stunning thatched holiday property set in a peaceful rural location on the outskirts of the historical town of Ottery St Mary, Devon.
Sleeps 2,
Bedrooms 1,
Bathrooms 1
Rose Cottage, Manaccan, Cornwall
Chocolate box holiday cottage that dates from the 16th century that’s replete with character features both inside and out.
Sleeps 6,
Bedrooms 3,
Bathrooms 1
Thatch End Cottage, Burton Bradstock, Dorset
Grade II listed holiday cottage for three guests that’s tastefully-furnished throughout and located near Dorset’s picturesque coast.
Sleeps 3,
Bedrooms 2,
Bathrooms 1
Seine Cottage, Burton Bradstock, Dorset
Grade II listed thatched holiday dwelling for three set in the picturesque and historic coastal village of Burton Bradstock, Dorset.
Sleeps 3,
Bedrooms 2,
Bathrooms 1
River Cottage, Burton Bradstock, Dorset
River Cottage is a thatched holiday property for four guests that set in the picturesque Dorset coastal village of Burton Bradstock.
Sleeps 4,
Bedrooms 3,
Bathrooms 1
What is Thatching?
Thatching is a traditional process of constructing a roof using dry vegetation such as sedge, straw or grass. It is a practice that can be traced back to Bronze Age Britain during which time thatched rural buildings were commonplace.
Although the method died out in the late eighteenth century, there remain more than 60,000 thatched properties in the UK. Happily, some of these are available to rent as holiday cottages.
Where Are Most Thatched Cottages Located?
As far as the UK is concerned, most cottages with thatched roofs can be found in England, typically places like Devon, Cornwall, the Cotswolds, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. However, Dorset is thought to have more thatched buildings than any other UK county with an estimated four per square mile.
Do Thatched Cottages Make Good Holiday Properties?
Yes, generally speaking. The best thatched properties showcase this wonderful craft but also include the very latest modern conveniences. Unfortunately, misconceptions abound regarding thatched buildings – the most popular one being that they leak.
But actually, thatched roofs are naturally waterproof because of the use of materials such as water reed in their construction. They’re also excellent insulators so they’ll keep you warm during the colder months and cool during the summer.
Are Thatched Holiday Cottages Expensive to Rent?
Not necessarily. The biggest price determinates for short break holiday properties relate to things like size, the number of rooms, the location, as well as the kind of facilities contained therein.
In some cases, you might be charged a little extra for the privilege of staying in a thatched property. But the factors mentioned often have the most impact in price.
How do I Find a Quality Thatched Holiday Cottage?
By sticking with self catering holiday properties offered by trusted providers. All of the cottages above are available through established companies that conduct independent inspections on all of their properties, thatched or otherwise. Also, pay very close attention to reviews from previous guests. They can be extremely insightful and revealing.
It’s Not Just About the Roof!
Remember that these holiday cottages tend to be very old. So like many quirky holiday properties or character cottages, it’s not just about one single feature. There’s a good chance that you’ll find additional character elements to enjoy such as an inglenook fireplace, timber-framing, exposed beams and such like.
This is especially true these days, given that most developers are at pains to ensure that original features are retained and preserved. After all, ‘rustic’ can spell big business for those letting out holiday homes. People want their short break stay to be a memorable one – and booking a thatched holiday property certainly ticks plenty of boxes.
Thatched Cottages – Common Features
- Thatched roof
- Timber-framing
- Exposed brickwork
- Mullion/Sliding Slash/Casement Windows
- Ceiling and Wall Beams
- Low Ceilings
- Open-Fire/Inglenook Fireplace
