Article: Straw polls put thatch top of the country pile.

Byline: LIZ PHILLIPS

THATCH cottages are most people's idea of a typical rural retreat.

With their soft lines, snug windows and deep eaves, they have maximum kerb appeal.

There are only about 50,000 thatch roof homes in Britain, according to the Thatching Advisory Service (TAS), and they tend to get snapped up when they come on to the market.

It is not uncommon for new houses in the countryside to be adorned with thatch to give them an instant old-fashioned look.

Mark Northcott, manager of TAS, says: 'Where there are a mixture of styles on new developments, thatch houses sell first, then ones that overlook them.

The ...

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