Thatched cottages

If you ever had a chance to see them in Ireland, you would probably know that constructing or renovating  thatched cottages requires significant commitment in order to bring out the full beauty of such buildings.  Not mentioning the costs .

Various problems must be coped with : dampness or  poorly insulated foundations. All this may cause many to decide building a new cottage instead…

However, we must agree on one thing : a fully renovated thatched cottage is certainly beautiful and may become a unique landscape feature for years to come.

It is understandable why people prefer to build new modern houses instead.  On the other hand being in possession of a thatched cottage is an extraordinary feeling  – probably it will be the only one within miles !  For anyone who would like to start a renovation project of a thatched cottage, there are many available grants waiting to help coping with the financial burden facing such an investment.

Each cottage is renovated differently, it is especially difficult to reconstruct roofs, since thatching is no longer practiced as it was in the past.  Many people add modern extensions to such properties thus providing more space.  This should however be done wisely – not to lose the character of the cottage.

One couple who inherited  some thatched cottages set up their website to monitor the progress of their reconstruction.  The interesting fact was that they  have noticed a large number of comments and visits from all over the world !  Watching might be pleasurable, but deciding to undertake themselves such a huge project would be a far more greater challenge.