Buy one of these iconic (and rapidly disappearing) cottages before it's too late
Look, I know there is absolutely nothing even remotely practical about owning a thatched roof cottage, but frankly, practicality is highly overrated.
Unfortunately, these once prolific structures are rapidly disappearing across Europe. One astounding statistic I found is that during the 19th century nearly half of Ireland's population is estimated to have dwelt under a thatched roof. Just 200 years later, only about 1,000 remain. One huge contributing factor to the rapid disappearance of these historically significant properties across Ireland is the prohibitive costs of insuring them - some have been quoted as much as 11,000 Euros! (Source: IrishCentral.com)
As depressing as is it to think these iconic properties could be extict very soon, I do hold out hope, and I thought I'd do my part to help save these precious relics of our past by finding affordable turn-key thatched cottages for the fellow dreamers out there. Together we can #SAVETHETHATCH
595,000 kr (about $80k USD) | 3 Beds + 1 Bath
Sommersted Denmark
From the listing: "Very cozy thatched house with lovely surroundings.
Do you dream of an idyllic and cozy thatched house located in rural surroundings? Then Tovskovvej 50 a little outside Mølby is definitely worth a visit. Herlighegen was built in 1827 and offers 135 m² of living space situated on a beautiful and well-kept 1,446 m² plot. On arrival at Tovskovvej 50, the eyes immediately fall on the beautiful whitewashed property with a newer thatched roof from around 2015 and the dark wooden windows. In addition to the 135 m² home, there is an associated 26 m² garage with hobby room, which is built in aerated concrete and in the same style as the farmhouse with a thatched roof from around 2010. There is also an outbuilding with a zinc roof, totaling 51 m², which consists of a firewood shed, shed and storage room with good space and boiler room. The house bears the stamp of the old style with the resulting low ceiling height. The ground floor offers: Utility room with tiled floor, installation for gas and washing machine here. There is also underfloor heating in the utility room. Further from the utility room you will find the cozy bright dining kitchen, with nice furniture in natural colors and underfloor heating. From the kitchen there is access to the entrance hall. Here is the staircase to the 1st floor and from here there is access to the spacious corner living room, where there is space for both a TV and dining area. From the entrance there is also access to the bedroom with wardrobes and to the bathroom with shower and underfloor heating. The 1st floor offers: a spacious and cozy living room and access to two good large rooms at either end. There is electric heating on the first floor and the possibility of connecting a wood-burning stove. The garden, like the rest of the property, appears idyllic and well-kept. The garden is mainly laid out with grass, but also offers trees, shrubs and beds. There is also a cozy terrace environment and several cozy corners. The house is located in the small village of Mølby, which is a short distance from Sommersted, which has its own school, kindergarten and grocery store. There is a very good local community and various events are organized annually for the city's citizens. In addition, there are 6 km. to Jels where there are shopping opportunities, Jels Viking Games and beautiful nature around Jels Lake. There are 10 km. to Vojens and 14 km. to Haderslev where the larger purchases etc. will be able to be carried out."
Source: EDC-gruppen
€149,000 | 3 Beds + 2 Baths
Legan Co. Longford Ireland
From the Listing: "This charming three bedroom cottage retains much of its original features and the traditional hand-crafted thatch roof, however the property comes to the market with modern amenities and is finished to a high standard throughout. Located just 1.5km from the village of Legan, the property is close to all essential services, including schools and shops. The property is within commuting distance to Dublin, just hour drive. The property is approached by old cut stone walls to the front with vehicular access and is bounded by mature trees and landscaped garden. The Thatch Cottage is entered through the half door which leads you to the fully fitted kitchen/dining area with high spec contents including a Smeg fridge - freezer, Smeg dish washer, white finish ceramic Belfast sink, Everhot cooker with cast iron hot & simmer place and dual aspect views. The first bedroom is to the left of the kitchen as you enter. The living area also boasts dual aspect views with cut stone fireplace and solid fuel stove, leading on from the living area is the w.c which is fully tiled with metro/subway tiles, shower, traditional high level toilet pan with cistern and w.h.b. The main bathroom also comes with high level toilet pan with cistern, cast iron double ended bath with chrome bath feet and w.h.b. The first set of double doors leading out to the garden are on to the right. The master bedroom is then entered and you step down in the third bedroom/ sitting room /study area with the second set of double doors leading to the patio and gardens. This property also benefits from gardens with mature shrubbery and flowers inter- dispersed throughout and garage, partly used as a utility with fitted units and sink. The outside shed benefits from underfloor heating with a utility kitchen and hot water heater. The original roof of the cottage is straw and reed thatch and the rear and extended parts were in a bad state of disrepair up until 2019. The rear of the original thatch including the front gable and porch was rethatched with Shannon water reed in 2021. This will last for ten years. The extended part of the property was originally thatch but was stripped off and tiled in 2021 also. The interior of the house was extensively remodelled in 2006 and over 120k euros was spent on the oak inframe kitchen, teak counter top, Belfast sink, stone flooring, the bathrooms are all top quality ware."
Source: James L. Murtagh Auctioneers
€222,000 | 1 Bed + 1 Bath
Auray, France
From the Listing: "Located 10 km from the beaches and 8 km from Auray, this authentic thatched cottage of 49 m2 was built during the 12th century on a plot of 60 m2.
Its thatched roof shelters a habitat composed of a main living room with kitchen, and a bedroom with shower room upstairs.
Very bright. thanks to its double East and West orientation, it has a way of life close to the water, not far from the shops and the TGV station."
Source: Espaces Atypique
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