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A 17th Century barn conversion in a Cambridgeshire village

February 2009

Posted by Nigel Hillyard on 3rd April 2009

The thatchers arrive on site and it really is interesting and satisfying to watch these craftsmen build the new thatch on the front of the barn while the rear roof is still being constructed.

In spite of the cold weather and snow the thatchers worked through it

 

 

 

 

Using the same methods that have been used for hundreds of years.

 

 

While the thatchers work at the front the carpenters have got to finish this section of the roof.

Eleven days later and this section is already thatched.

One end of the barn with one side trimmed and the other still waiting.

This side is just about finished apart from the chicken wire to stop the birds nesting in the thatch.

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Nigel Hillyard

Nigel Hillyard

Nigel Hillyard writes about his 17th century barn conversion in Cambridgeshire. Nigel bought and renovated an old farmhouse in 2000. The property came with a few acres and some outbuildings including the barn which he is currently converting into a 4 bed roomed dwelling. He intends to move into it when it is finished in the Summer of 2009.

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#1

Fireproofing on thatch

andyhughes73
Sun, 06/09/2009 - 21:26
andyhughes73's photo

Hi Nigel,

I've always liked the idea of a self build with a thatched roof. I've assumed that the tatching costs a lot more?

Also, have you got any idea of how a thatched roof affects your home insurance? Lastly, Do I assume the thatch is treated with some flame-retardent coating?

Great to see your build progressing, best of luck.

Andy H
www.prestigeconservatoryblinds.co.uk

#2

Fireproofing on thatch

Hillyard123 (not verified)
Wed, 09/12/2009 - 17:33
Hillyard123's photo

The cost of thatching our barn was very reasonable (it depends on area) and came in at about £15k for a straw thatch which should last 15 years or so. Our thatcher was a top man and if you're in the Cambridge area he is the guy to use - Jeff the Thatcher, you can probably pick out his telephone number from the pic on my site.

In terms of insurance, yes a thatch does push the price up a bit, I'd say about 15%. As with all insurance, shop around and just make sure the insurance cover is appropriate.

Sorry for delay in replying.

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