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.