Is that Thatching?
Yes, that’s thatching! We have designed some of our cottages to have thatching! REAL THATCHING! Many questions arise about thatching, especially longevity and availability.
We have come across many articles, both in England and in the US that say thatch can last anywhere from 75-100 years before renovation is necessary.
Thatching is possible in the United States but obviously not very common. There are a few Master Thatchers here in the US and they travel to all parts of the country.
If you have a thatched cottage or have a picture of one, please share with everyone!
Marilyn Iesue 28 Jan 2007
This is incredible. I thought I was the only one who was looking for thatched roofing in the US. I never believed there was a site devoted strictly to just old world English cottage designs, for when I do build my very first house, this is the only style for me. I have been looking and looking for something I didn’t think existed. I love bayed, diamond glass cased windows, beamed ceilings, window seats, stone fronts, climbing rose bushes, a secret garden and a brook too!! I wonder if you offer customized floor plans?
Samuel 28 Jan 2007
Marilyn, we share every feeling you expressed, and yes, all this is possible right here the US. We have several real good sources for real thatch (see www.thatching.com) or artificial thatch (see www.endureed.com). Either way you wish. We also believe a quaint cottage garden is also essential, so check out Redwood Stone (www.redwoodstone.com) to see some their great landscape follies and wonderful other structures and details to go with the cottage. I hope these get your wheels turning, and spurs on some great ideas for your cottage.
YES, we do custom floor plans and designs, we want your cottage to be exactly as you wish! If I were you, just start clipping and collecting images and ideas as to what architectural elements you like best and want on your cottage, put them in a folder and when you are ready to build just give us a call and we will go over every item with you and make sure every nook and every window and every special detail is all there, everything you want in your cottage design.
We have to admit, we love what we do, and we get as excited about all the things you mentioned as you do. Our principle business is cottage design, we offer the architectural plans (blue prints, to use the old-fashioned term) of all our cottages, or we design one specifically to your liking and wishes - whether whimsical or just plain charming.
Let’s face it, THIS IS THE ONLY STYLE FOR US TOO!!!!
Thanks for the comment and question. Anything else we could help you with, just drop us a line.
Brenda 28 Feb 2007
What color of stucco would be best for the outside of a cottage, and how do you recomend staining and sealing the timbers?
samuelh 1 Mar 2007
Brenda,
traditionally, white was the prominant color for stucco exteriors on cottages. With age, the white would weather and then darken slightly. To some, it was important to always keep this white color fresh and bright, while others liked the more mello weathered look.
Although white is traditional and bright, we prefer the softer mello tones of creams and light browns. We like the “earthy” colors with contrasting medium to darker browns of the stained timbers. If I were to pick my favorite combination of stucco color and timber stain color, the stucco would have to be a medium tan with highlights of cream, which would give it a look as if it wasn’t mixed thoroughly. I have also seen pinks and grays for stucco colors, but not really my preferences.
For the timbers, my favorite would be a medium brown which shows the wood grain. Really dark stains have their place and are traditional and beautiful, along with grays (the really weathered look), but they aren’t my all-time favorites. I don’t really recommend painting timbers, although once again, if done right, they can look great.
I would also avoid any sealers that yellow with age and flake off. In other words, these are generally not “penetrating” sealers. You may want to ask a professional painter (not a local hardware paint store department associate) for the best types of penetrating sealers for your area.
Another thing I thought I would mention, is that “Elastiomeric” Stucco paint is a good choice as it stretches (it is very thick and rubber-like when you feel it), this stretching covers tiny cracks if your stucco does end up cracking a bit.
Glen 1 May 2007
Brenda,
I noticed the recommendation to use an elastomeric stucco paint. There are applications that I recommend this material on, but in general it can be problematic. Elastomeric paint does not breathe, and should any water get behind the paint, for example at a leaky window, the paint will not allow the moisture to evaporate, causing the paint to pimple.
Just wanted to help.
Glen
Samuel 2 May 2007
Thanks so much Glen for the great comment, and thanks for the great tip (and caution) about using elastiomeric paint, for it is not for all applications. I’ve found it most used in the “dryer” states where the stucco itself tends to become more dry, brittle and cracking is common. Some people have used it in the “wetter” climates to prevent water from entering in the cracks and thus creating larger cracks (freeze/thaw) and other additional problems. I side with Glen however, and say that it is not for all circumstances and care needs to be taken when using it. Ask several local painters in your area and see what their experience has been with it.
Samuel 23 Jan 2008
A fan of thatching just gave us this link
http://www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/archive/publications/thatchers_craft.asp
It has all kinds of great information about thatching!