7th October 2026
Tranquil Thatched Cottages
Dating back to the Stone Age, thatched roofs are a beautiful and unique feature of historic English houses. With around 30,000 thatched properties in the country, mainly in the South West, these quaint, characterful locations are perfect for filming and photography. There's even been a small uptick in their numbers as modern architects utilise this aesthetic and eco-friendly art form.
H23072, Kent; H24297, Surrey; R22591, West Sussex; H21825, Suffolk.
Usually made of long straw, combed wheat reed or water reed, thatched roofs can also offer insights into the history of an area. Lower layers of thatch sometimes date back as far as the medieval period, and the materials used can provide information about the ecology of the site, even indicating what kind of bread the inhabitants may have eaten.
H22362 & HC7251, Oxfordshire; R25509, Norfolk.
The number of thatched buildings in urban areas declined steeply through the centuries due to the risk of fire - though contrary to popular belief, they did not cause the spread of the 1666 Great Fire of London. Thatched roofs had been banned in London around 400 years before after the devastating fire of 1212; the Great Fire was mostly spread via closely packed wooden houses after a long, dry summer.
H23498, Cheshire; R22591, West Sussex; C25796, Oxfordshire; H24930, Middlesex. 
H25590, Hampshire.
There are a few remaining thatched buildings in London if you know where to look - some notable examples are Queen Charlotte's Cottage in Kew Gardens, the Slough Lane Cottages in Kingsbury and the Thatched House Lodge in Richmond Park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thatched Houses
Are thatched cottages suitable for filming and photography?
Yes, thatched cottages can provide an authentic traditional setting for period dramas, films, television productions, commercials and photo shoots. Their distinctive architecture and rustic character can help bring a particular era or countryside atmosphere to life. Explore our cottages for filming to discover potential locations for your next production.
Can you hire a thatched house as a filming location?
Some owners make their properties available for filming, subject to availability, permissions and the requirements of the production. When choosing a property, consider its architectural features, surroundings, accessibility and suitability for your shoot. You can also browse our farms, barns, filming and photography locations to find a setting that matches your creative brief.
Why are thatched houses popular for period dramas?
Thatched houses can offer a convincing sense of history and traditional rural life. Their distinctive roofs, period features and countryside surroundings make them particularly useful for productions seeking a recognisable English village or historic rural setting. Discover our rustic filming locations for properties with authentic and traditional character.
Title image: H25329, Suffolk.