Est. 1983 · Deanshanger, South Northamptonshire
For over 40 years, traditional long straw, combed wheat reed and water reed thatching from Nick Mackay, now with his sons Callum and Ollie. A family firm working across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.
East Midlands Master
National Society ofWelcome
Form – Function – Longevity; the key elements of our craft.
These three elements are very closely linked: form affects function, function affects longevity.
To consistently create something of beauty that functions to maximum efficiency, and lasts as long as it’s possible for it to last, is no easy task. For the conscientious craftsman this aim provides the basis for a whole lifetime’s working experience.
Thatching in its highest form is a craft with a touch of art. All the skills necessary to prepare and apply the various materials to best effect must be mastered. A personal style and an eye for line and level developed.
I hope that this website gives you an insight into the art & craft of what we do, and also the business reality of the thatching industry.
Nick Mackay.
Nick’s story, in his words
Materials
For the highest quality of craftsmanship in long straw, combed wheat reed and water reed thatching, each prepared and applied to best effect.
The traditional threshed-straw roof, worked the way it has been for generations. Long straw work includes Edlesborough and Shillington in Bedfordshire.
The thatcher’s craft
Brought into the central and Midland counties from the West Country after the war, with its own style of rolled-off eaves and gables.
Changing times
Norfolk and water reed: Nick trained with Norfolk Reed Thatchers, and his first job on his own was a complete water reed re-thatch. Water reed has been part of our work ever since.
A life on roofsThe work
“It has been my aim from the very beginning to produce work that stands out from the crowd.” A selection of our work. Tap any photo to see it larger.
Who we are
Nick learned the craft alongside Frank Purser, the last in a long line of family thatchers. Today he works with his own sons, Callum and Ollie, and every roof we take on is thatched by the three of us.
In 2015 Nick and Callum re-thatched The Old Coach House in Meppershall, Bedfordshire, in combed wheat reed, returning it to its original flush ridge with a swept gable. In 2024 the three of them re-thatched Homestead Cottage.
It was a joy to see the roof being re-born and admire the sheer effort and artistry of Nick and Callum’s work.Sarah Collins, The Old Coach House, Meppershall
Nick Mackay and his sons Callum and Ollie have done an amazing job!Homestead Cottage, September 2024
What we do
Maintaining time-honoured traditional craft values and techniques is crucial to the process, and for us what thatching is about.
Long straw, combed wheat reed and water reed, including roofs that need repairs to the structure beneath.
A personal style and an eye for line and level, finished with hand-worked ridges.
Done by us, as part of the job.
Advice on thatching-related issues, and help with detailed written specifications.
Photo: greatfen.org.ukMemberships
We are members of the East Midlands Master Thatchers Association and the National Society of Master Thatchers. In March 2024 Nick and fellow EMMTA member Clive Dodson presented to conservationists from the Great Fen, RSPB, Natural England and the Broads Authority on how reed is used on the roof, as part of work towards more home-grown thatching reed.
Contact
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire, and a number of interesting projects far further afield. Re-thatching, roof surveys, consultancy and advice.