Middle Thatch, King's Somborne

Builder: Testway Construction

Date: 1989–1990

The Trust moved north, up the Test Valley, to restore this small thatched cottage which, over many years, had become an increasingly derelict eyesore at the southern entrance to King's Somborne, its thatched roof obscured by a large, blue and rapidly deteriorating tarpaulin. 

Once a larger three bay late XV century building, there was evidence that a central medieval hall had been present from traces of soot that were visible on the roof beams and old thatch.  Extensive.alterations in the XVII century resulted in the incorporation of the western bay into the adjoining thatched cottage where the original timber frame was visible.

On initial inspection the project appeared to be relatively straightforward, however, as work progressed, it became clear that the timber frame of the front elevation was in need of almost complete replacement.  The roof also required extensive repair, since the thatch had been leaking badly. A new kitchen extension was built and one of the bedrooms was converted into a bathroom to afford a beautiful character cottage with modern conveniences.

Finally the cottage was re-thatched, however, during the early stages of thatching, an electrical spark ignited straw that had fallen from the roof and, although Middle Thatch was saved, the adjacent thatched property was severely damaged.