I am thinking of buying a thatched cottage. Is this a good idea ?

All thatched cottages require re-roofing from time to time, and this can be a fairly pricey exercise – so the main thing you need to consider when thinking about buying such a property is the current condition of the roof. What kind of thatching material is involved, when was it last replaced, (as a general rule, long straw needs replacing every 25 years or so, while Norfolk reed can last up to 60 years), and how much would it cost to have done today? It’s also worth knowing whether any repair work has been carried out recently, and whether any special fire-retardant coatings have been applied.
Another matter worth particular attention is the condition of the electrical wiring - when it was last surveyed, repaired or replaced. And, if there are open fires in use in the property, the chimneys really should be lined (and regularly swept, naturally).
All in all, for those prepared to face up to the additional responsibilities of ownership – and with the means of doing so - there is undoubtedly something uniquely rewarding about living in a thatched cottage. In a real sense, you are the custodian of a piece of living history, with all the very special pleasures that this can bring. Needless to say, the owners of thatched properties tend to be quite a supportive lot – so help and advice is never too hard to find.