The Charm of Cob and Thatch

They are the epitome of Devon villages –cob and thatch cottages with roses round the door,  inglenook fireplaces with bread ovens and a roaring fire, history and character oozing from every corner. This may be the idyllic dream of many but in centuries past these basic buildings were the homes of those that worked the land and earned a meagre living where they could.

Cob and thatch are the vernacular style of building in the South West of England especially in the counties of Devon and Somerset.

So what is “cob”? By definition cob was used in areas where access to stone or timber from forests was impractical. It is a mixture of compressed clay, sand, and straw with small gravel like stone mixed in. Water was added to the mix to bind it. Foundations for cob buildings were  built of stone quarried locally to the site. It is one of the oldest forms of building pre dating the timber frame building of the Middle Ages. A straw thatch roof was lighter and more economical to build than tiles which proved too heavy for the structure.  With walls up to four feet thick these homes were well insulated so were warm in winter and cool in summer –the fore runner 800 years ago of to-day’s eco friendly houses!!!

There is a Devonshire proverb: “that all a cob wants is a good hat and a good pair of shoes”  -so with a firm foundation and good thatch you have the ideal building. The proof is evident with so many cob and thatch homes surviving into the 21st Century.

Modern technology and building materials have ensured the endearing charm of the thatch cottage remains and these unique buildings have been updated to accommodate the easy living style demanded to-day. But it is the underlying historic charm that is the attraction.

A great example of modern construction encompassing a traditional building can be seen at Fishleigh Down,near Hatherleigh. An extended cob  farmhouse  under a newly thatched roof provides all the modern amenities  whilst enjoying the rural idyll. With a picturesque thatched barn with potential (great party barn?) and 1.5 acres what a great place for a young family to grow up –more land can also be purchased. Knight Frank are the selling agents (01392 423111)

Nestled comfortably but in a private setting within the favoured East Devon village of Broadhembury ,Savills (01392 455755) are selling Westaways. A delightful thatched 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage with 1.8 acres of garden and paddock running down to a stream. Not far from the ancient lace town of Honiton  and only 5 miles from Junction 28 of the M5- a very accessible but unspoilt village .

Stting above Honiton at Coombe Raleigh Humberts (01404 42456) are offering Pulshayes, a Grade 11 listed thatched house with stunning views. Standing in 2 acres, again the cottage garden  image is preserved. The house has been tastefully extended and now provides delightful accommodation.

As ever, space only allows a brief snapshot of these delightful houses –estate agents across Devon will have examples of delightful period gems in most price ranges –all waiting for you to find the special one for you and to get the feel “it’s all about coming home”

Nigel Bishop

Founder & Managing Director