Four Generation Thatchers in Wiltshire, Dorset & Hampshire
At Steven Hewlett Thatchers Ltd, we’re trusted by home and business owners across the South West to provide high-quality thatch roofing services. We’ve built a trusted reputation for providing outstanding services including thatching repairs, replacement, and re-ridging. Our family-run thatching spans three generations, with lots of experience with thatch for pubs, restaurants, and B&Bs to name a few.
We serve clients throughout the South West including Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Marlborough, The New Forest, Romsey, Stockbridge, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, Winchester, Ashurst, Ealing and Totton
As Accredited members of the National Society of Master Thatchers, we’re one of few fully qualified thatching contractors in the area. Our family is proud to practice the craft which has earnt us lots of great reviews from our clients.
Call us today on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917
Commercial Thatchers in Wiltshire, Dorset & Hampshire
When your thatched roof is damaged or in need of repair, we are the local and reliable master thatchers on hand to provide high-quality repair services. Another bane of owners of commercial property with a thatched roof is that of pests.
The thatched roof with its natural materials offers the perfect conditions for birds, rats, mice, squirrels and more to make their home. They can cause great deals of damage to the structure and appearance of the roof, with holes, runs and pulled straw materials. We can help you take control of your pest problems through protection and deterrents.
Our thatch repair service covers Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, helping you preserve your roof’s charm while avoiding extensive repair work.
Also, we’re on hand to provide fire-conscious thatching methods that protect your business from potential fire risks. The last thing any business needs is fire damage, so having our knowledgeable team take a look can give you real peace of mind.
Sustainable Thatch Repairs near Wiltshire, Dorset & Hampshire
We’re proud members of the National Society of Master Thatchers, working exclusively with premium traditional materials including long straw, combed wheat straw, water reed, and Norfolk reed.
Thatch is renowned for its longevity, typically lasting 50 to 60 years and we can give you helpful recommendations to protect your roof’s lifespan. We’ve been chosen by clients over the years for specialist conservation roofing work for various heritage and listed properties.
Regular annual inspections help maintain your roof for generations and prevent larger repairs down the line. We’re happy to help with professional re-ridging, wire netting to protect against birds and rodents, and fire-retardant barrier installation. Call today and find out why we’re dedicated to continuing a family tradition of master thatching craftsmanship.
Richard Jefferies Museum
The challenge ….
An original 17th Century thatched cottage in Coate, Swindon enjoys a busy life as part of a museum set up to commemorate Victorian nature writer, Richard Jefferies, who was born there in 1848.
The quintessential chocolate-box country cottage has had its thatched roof repaired and renewed numerous times over the centuries, but recently the Richard Jefferies Museum Trust realised the thatch on the roof of the listed building was once again in a sorry state, and in dire need of attention.
The specialised job was put out to tender by Swindon Borough Council, who – on the recommendation of the National Society of Master Thatchers – invited Steven Hewlett Thatchers Limited to apply. Steve and his long-established firm of traditional Wiltshire master thatchers was the obvious successful candidate, and before long he was hard at work restoring the cottage roof.
The solution ….
This time-lapse video shows the re-thatching process, from removing the tired, degraded and soiled thatch and repairing the underlying timbers, to re-thatching “like for like” with straw and hazel spar work. In real time the work took around two months.
The roof ridge was finished in traditional Wiltshire flush style, because, as Steve explains, “we like to keep things in character, particularly on a listed building”. A special touch, in honour of Richard Jefferies himself, was the addition of a thatched finial figure of a pheasant on the roof, dubbed “Dickie”.
The beautifully restored roof of the Jefferies cottage also features another traditional thatch feature – the catslide. This is a section of roof extended down to cover a side wing, sweeping down from the ridge almost to the ground.
No doubt Richard Jefferies, a great conservationist, would be delighted with the result!
Thatched roof maintenance
The lifespan of a professionally thatched can be up 40 years plus. Environmentally friendly and versatile, thatch is valued too for its aesthetic charm. To optimise the longevity and look of your thatched roof we offer a maintenance service which includes cleaning and controlling the spread of algae and moss.
Quality thatched roof repairs
Whenever your thatched roof requires tending, whether it be a major repair, the installation of wire-netting to deter vermin, or even updating its fire protection, give us a call. We’ll conduct a full survey of the condition of your thatched roof and give you a full estimate for the work required.
Get in touch!
We provide thatching services and thatched roof repairs across the South West of England including Marlborough, The New Forest, Romsey, Stockbridge, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, Winchester, Ashurst, Ealing and Totton. We are also available to thatch anywhere across the Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Dorset area. We offer specialised thatching services including thatching repairs and commercial thatching.
If you have a property with a thatch roof and would like to discuss how Steven Hewlett can help you manage and maintain your thatched roof, call us today on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917. Alternatively, leave us a message on our contact us form and put your roof in expert hands.