In medieval times, a thatched roof was a luxury available only to the wealthy but by the 16th century had become the choice of peasants, while the rich preferred tiles.

Now things have turned full circle and thatch is enjoying a renaissance, thanks to its eco-friendly credentials and good looks.

So, is a thatched roof expensive or difficult to maintain? No more than a tiled one, according to Graham MacDonald, of agents Kemp & Kemp.

He said: “People often run scared of thatch, if they have not lived in one. They think it is costly to maintain, a fire hazard and will harbour wildlife.

“But their prejudices are ill-founded and by excluding thatched, they are missing out on a large number of wonderful properties.

“Thatched roofs are not a fire hazard if the chimneys and anything attached to the roof are fitted correctly and well-maintained. You only have to look at the number of thatched houses that have stood for more than 500 years to realise that thatching is as safe as houses.”

A thatched roof needs a new ridge every ten to 12 years and a thatcher will remove moss and straighten the edges.

Mr MacDonald added: "As an owner of a thatched cottage, I can confirm that I do not pay a premium with my insurance company.

“Thatch keeps the house warm in winter and cool in summer and is easy to maintain.”

Kemp & Kemp is marketing Beech Tree Cottage, a thatched house in Woolstone.

The three-bedroom cottage includes two reception rooms, a conservatory, kitchen, bathroom and study and is on the market for £445,000.

For more information, contact Kemp & Kemp on 01367 820555 or visit kempandkemp.co.uk Douglas Gribben has a thatched two-bedroom Grade II-listed cottage overlooking the village green in Stanford in the Vale, for £199,950.

Features include latched doors, stripped floorboards, exposed brick floors and a wood-burning stove in the sitting room.

There is also a garden room with French doors. For more information, contact Douglas Gribben on 01235 766222 or visit douglasgribben.co.uk Westside Cottage in Burdrop, near Banbury, is a two-bedroom thatched cottage with original features.

The sitting room and kitchen/diner have exposed timbers and the sitting room has an inglenook fireplace.

The walled garden includes a patio, lawn and greenhouse.

Westside Cottage is on the market for £239,950. Contact King & Woolley on 01295 263505 or visit kingandwoolley.com