Think of a chocolate box country home and the chances are, you’re thinking of a thatched cottage.

Alluring and picturesque, it’s not just a boon to tourist authorities, it’s also a national symbol of settlement and continuity.

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Thatch is the oldest roofing material still being used in Britain: archaeologists have found evidence of straw roofs dating back as far as 500BC.

In all that time it has not lost its appeal for people looking for the perfect country home. Many are listed properties but new thatched buildings continue to be built.

Tim New is director of the Thatched Owners Group, which offers help, advice and practical help for owners of thatched properties.

He said: “A thatched cottage means rustic charm.

“It’s never lost its appeal for many buyers.”

There are three main types of material used for thatching: water reed, which lasts for around 50 years; wheat, which lasts between 20 and 25 years, and long straw, which can last for 30 years. All of this depends on regular care and checks.

Because it’s a natural product, thatch will keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Although there are many new thatched homes being built, the chances are that in Leicestershire, the homes will be listed.

There are about 22,200 listed thatched properties in the UK.

“With any listed building, you are only the gatekeeper, looking after it for the next generation. You have to ensure it is kept to a certain standard.”

If you’re looking for a thatched house, you should find out when the property was last re-thatched and re-ridged, to get an idea of the lifespan of your roof.

That should be taken into account when making an offer, advises Tim. “Your best bet is to get a thatcher round to inspect the property,” he said. “They will often have lots of advice and many will actually know the property you are looking at.”

Many people are worried about the danger posed to thatched cottages by woodburning stoves. The answer is to have your chimney checked to ensure the liner is still doing its job.

The damp course ought to be inspected particularly when the property is built from wychert or cobb – mud and straw houses – and a timber report ought to be taken.

Tim said: “If you buy a car you look for a full service history – you see a file full of invoices and your confidence goes through the roof. The same thing should apply to a listed property.”

The Thatched Owners Group offers to free help people considering buying a thatched property free. Visit:

www.thatched-group.com