Mark Harrington Master Thatcher
work without compromise
​Full Re-Thatch & Ridge Work - Maintenance & Repairs - Heritage & Listed Property Advice - Architectural & Educational Collaboration
Thatched Roof Expertise for Heritage Homes, Architects & Designers
Specialising in projects where quality, detail and longevity matter, we are based in Devon, working throughout the South West and occasionally further afield
Based in the heart of Devon with over 30 years hands-on experience, we offer a complete thatching service rooted in traditional craftsmanship and carried out in the right way — never rushed, never compromised. A thatched roof deserves attention to every detail, and that’s exactly how we approach our work.
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From full re-thatch and beautifully finished ridges to ongoing maintenance and repair, our work is built to last. We don’t cut corners or take shortcuts — we focus on doing the job properly using proven methods and quality materials to protect the character, beauty, and long-term value of your home.
Every thatch project is different, and we take the time to understand yours. You’ll always receive honest, straightforward advice, even if that means telling you that currently nothing needs doing! Our clients choose us for quality of work and experience they can trust.
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We are proud to play our part in preserving this historic craft, and are here to help you care for your thatched roof for many years to come.​​​​​
Homeowners
For those who value quality and longevity, we create thatched roofs that enhance the beauty and value of your property.
Many of the properties we work on have long histories and a particular character. Details matter, particularly where a building has stood for generations.
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With more than thirty years devoted to thatching, we approach each home with respect for what already exists. Materials are selected carefully, proportions are considered & details are added so the finished roof feels entirely in keeping with its setting.​
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The end result is very often an improvement on what came before!
Whether working on a small cottage or larger property, each project is approached with patience, attention to detail and a healthy respect for the materials and setting. The aim is longevity, proportion and a finish that sits naturally within the landscape
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​"From start to finish, Mark and his team demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and true craftsmanship that is increasingly rare to find. What particularly impressed me was their unwavering commitment to quality over speed. Unlike other contractors who might prioritise quick completion"
Architects
Collaborating with architectural practices on bespoke residential builds, heritage restorations and conservation-led developments, we understand specification, detailing, planning constraints and the standards required for premium projects.
We know that every building is unique. Each commission is approached with careful consideration for your project brief, its setting and design aspirations. Working alongside architects and contributing insight into material behaviour, detailing, and construction techniques, we help ensure that the roof becomes a seamless part of the architectural composition.
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Our goal is straightforward: a roof that enhances the design, is integrated properly, endures for decades, and reflects the care and skill invested in its creation. Architects value our approach because it combines technical knowledge, time honoured skills, and a sensitivity to the building’s character - delivering a result that adds to the project as a whole.
Community Projects
Introducing students and makers to the tactile beauty of natural materials, fostering creativity, envoronmental awareness and a deeper connection to traditional methods
We know that thatching can inspire innovation! Through our community projects, we have worked with young students to explore the properties, techniques, and potential of thatch in modern building design. From structural applications to aesthetic possibilities, these sessions demonstrate that heritage materials have a role in contemporary architecture, sustainability, and design thinking.
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Our workshops combine hands-on experience with thoughtful discussion, encouraging students to consider proportion, texture, and environmental performance. By engaging directly with the material, they gain insight into centuries-old methods while discovering ways these principles can inform new projects.
Working with colleges, universities, and design schools we develop programmes that complement architecture, construction, and heritage courses tailored to the students’ level and focus, providing practical experience, inspiration, and a connection to a craft that continues to shape both historic and contemporary buildings. The sessions foster creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper appreciation of craft that lasts far beyond the classroom.
Creative Installations
Reimagining traditional thatching materials in contemporary forms, creating distinctive architectural features and sculptural installations with natural character
We see thatch as more than just a roofing material — it is a versatile medium with aesthetic and structural potential. Over the years, we have created a number of bespoke art installations exploring form, texture, and interaction with space and light. Each installation is conceived with the same care and attention that informs our heritage work, translating tradition into innovative contemporary expression.
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These projects demonstrate that centuries-old techniques can inform modern design thinking. By combining this with creative vision, we explore the sculptural qualities of thatch, its responsiveness and its tactile appeal.
The installations have been commissioned for galleries, cultural events, and architectural showcases, providing audiences with a fresh perspective on the possibilities of heritage materials. Through these artistic endeavours, we aim to inspire designers, students, and the public to consider traditional materials in new ways. Each piece is an exercise in craftsmanship, material understanding, and architectural thinking — a bridge between history, innovation, and contemporary design.
We bring over thirty years of traditional craft and careful attention to detail to every roof we touch. From heritage homes to contemporary installations and educational workshops, our work is guided by skill, patience, and respect for the building.
We take on a limited number of projects each year for those who value craftsmanship, longevity, and thoughtful execution & we welcome enquiries from private owners, architects and anyone interested in thatch.
Please use the contact form here or call us on 07864 280276 and tell us how we can help.
