Master Thatcher, Andover and the Test Valley Villages
Steven Hewlett and his brothers are fourth-generation master thatchersCall Steve today on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917
Member of the National Society of Master Thatchers
Andover Thatch Renovation & Repairs
At Steven Hewlett Master Thatchers, we bring generations of traditional thatching experience to Andover and its surrounding villages in Hampshire. As members of the National Society of Master Thatchers, our team specialises in caring for period, listed, and heritage properties, properties where preserving authentic character is as important as keeping the roof weatherproof.
If you live in a thatched cottage near Andover, or own a historic property in the Test Valley, you might have found not all thatchers understand the local requirements. In our family, the craft has been passed down for four generations with each of us training as apprentices and spending over a decade mastering the skills needed to work on older properties with respect and precision.
Call Steve today on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917, or just use our contact form. We’re happy to talk through your concerns. No pressure, just honest advice.
Thatching across Andover and the Test Valley Villages
Andover sits at the heart of Hampshire’s rural heritage surrounded by villages that time hasn’t changed much over centuries. The properties here, from charming 17th-century cottages to listed farmhouses nestled along the River Anton, rely on traditional thatching methods to retain their charm and function.
We cover Andover and its immediate surrounds, including SP10 and SP11 postcodes, as well as the villages of Charlton, Weyhill, Appleshaw, Abbotts Ann, Upper Clatford, Goodworth Clatford, Penton Mewsey, Grafton, and Longparish. Many of these areas share similar architectural styles and roofing traditions, especially long straw thatching with flush wrap-over ridges which is the preferred method for historic properties across the Test Valley.
Wherever you are in this part of Hampshire, we understand what your property needs and not just to keep the rain out but to remain true to its story.
Not every ageing thatched roof needs replacing
A common concern among owners of older properties is: “Do I actually need a full re-thatch or can we make do with something less?” The truth is, many roofs only need targeted work. Over-enthusiastic replacement doesn’t help your budget or preserve your home’s integrity. Here’s how we approach it:
- Minor deterioration: Localised repairs to slipped or weather-damaged thatch
- Worn ridge (the top edge): Re-ridging just the vulnerable section while leaving sound body thatch intact
- Moss, lichen, or bird damage: Maintenance and protective treatments
- Significant structural failure: Full re-thatching or restoration which will be carried out with traditional materials and techniques
The right job is the work your roof actually needs, not automatically a complete re-thatch. If you’re unsure, we’ll come out for an assessment. We’ll explain what we see in clear terms and only recommend what’s necessary now (and what can wait).
Thatching services around Andover
We provide the full range of thatching work across the region, always with heritage properties in mind.
Thatched roof repairs
Leaks, slipped thatch, or localised wear? We patch, replace and secure sections carefully, using materials matched to your existing roof. A small repair today prevents major intervention tomorrow.
Re-ridging
The ridge is the weakest part of any thatched roof and the first to show age. Re-ridging extends the life of your roof significantly while preserving its appearance. In Andover’s older properties, we match historic ridge patterns, from simple flush styles to decorative shapes where appropriate.
Re-thatching
When a roof has reached the end of its natural lifespan (typically 40–60 years), full re-thatching is the only option. We use traditional materials like long straw, water reed or combed wheat reed with methods passed down through generations of master thatchers.
Maintenance and inspection
You don’t have to wait for a leak to find out something’s wrong. A professional inspection every 5–7 years helps catch issues early. This is especially important for listed buildings where insurance and conservation consent may be involved.
Listed and heritage properties
We understand you’ll expect authentic techniques, reversible interventions, and respect for original materials. Our work at sites like the Richard Jefferies Museum in nearby Stockbridge shows how we combine traditional skill with conservation standards.
Traditional materials chosen for your property
In Andover and the surrounding villages, the right material depends on the age of your building, its local style, and your preservation goals.
- Long straw: The traditional choice for Wiltshire and Hampshire period properties. It weaves into a soft, textured finish and is ideally finished with flush wrap-over ridges.
- Water reed: Denser and more uniform; often seen in coastal areas but increasingly used inland for its longevity and clean appearance.
- Combed wheat reed: A hybrid that offers durability and authenticity, especially suitable where long straw is no longer readily available.
All materials are natural, renewable, and offer excellent thermal performance which helps keep your property warm in winter and cool in summer. That makes traditional thatch not only beautiful, but also a genuinely sustainable roofing solution for the 21st century.
Signs your thatched roof may need attention
It’s easy to delay when you’re not sure what’s wrong. But some issues don’t get better with time – and early action can save both money and heritage. Ask yourself:
- Have you noticed water stains on walls or ceilings?
- Is the ridge looking thin, slumped, or bare in places?
- Do you see moss, lichen, or bird damage across the surface?
- Has your roof been surveyed recently – or never at all?
- Are you planning to buy a thatched property and want an independent assessment?
If even one of these sounds familiar, it may be time to call us in for a no-obligation inspection. We’ll give you a clear report – not a sales pitch.
A family tradition of master thatching
This isn’t just a job to us, it’s a craft we’ve practised, taught, and refined across four generations.
Steven Hewlett and his brothers continue the legacy of their father and grandfather, building on over half a century of hands-on experience. Every member of our team began as an apprentice. We spent years learning under seasoned masters of their craft, mastering those skills ourselves that simply aren’t taught in standard construction courses today.
We’re proud to be members of the National Society of Master Thatchers, which upholds the highest standards in the trade, including ethics, training, and heritage-sensitive practice.
When you choose us for your Andover property, you’re not just hiring a roofing contractor. You’re working with specialists who understand that a thatched roof is part of history and deserves to be preserved correctly.
Your Andover thatching partner
We serve Andover and the wider Test Valley region, from SP10 to Longparish, with honesty, skill, and respect for what makes each property unique. Steve and his team are ready to help you protect your thatched home, whether it needs a quick maintenance check or full restoration. We believe in working with the building, not overriding its history with modern shortcuts.
So if you’d like someone who understands traditional craftsmanship, local styles, and what really needs doing call Steve today on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917. Or leave us a message and we’ll get back to you personally, without delay.
Get in touch!
We provide thatching services and thatched roof repairs across the South West of England including Andover, 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.