WESTON-super-Mare’s oldest building has had a makeover in the form of a new thatched roof on an extension.

The feature has been carefully constructed, using traditional craftsmanship skills, on an extension to The Old Thatched Cottage – one of the resort’s most well-known restaurants.

Skilled thatchers were required to match the roof to the covering already in place = the last remaining thatched roof in Weston.

The history of the cottage dates back to 1774, when it was built as a holiday home on the beach for William Leeves, who stayed there each year.

In 2023, The Old Thatched Cottage was recognised with an English Heritage Blue Plaque for its association with Leeves – a soldier, poet, musician and Rector of Wrington.

The cottage has survived several severe storms and a few fires during its lifetime but has remained a distinctive presence on the seafront.

A picture of the Old Thatched Cottage in 1883 when it was a dairy

Work on the new roof took around two weeks, with Somerton-based family contractors RJ Wright & Son creating a timber frame on top of the existing flat roof, before experienced master tradesman Richard Wright put his traditional skills to good use adding the thatched roof.

In 1960, the lease to the cottage was bought by one of Weston-super-Mare’s best-known businessmen, Axentis Michael, and this year marks the 65th anniversary of the business remaining in his family, with his daughter Maria running it for the past 40 years.

“The extension was built in 1855 but has always had a flat roof, which lacked the charm and character of the cottage,” she said. “That’s why we decided to invest in a thatched roof for the extension, too, and we’re delighted with how it has turned out, ensuring that our restaurant remains a landmark fixture of the Weston-super-Mare map for many years to come.

“The project marks the end of a three-year process to secure planning permission and Listed Building Consent to create the new roof, but it was worth waiting for.”

READ MORE: North Somerset news from your Somerset Leveller
READ MORE: History news from the Somerset Leveller

Adding the roof is the latest in a series of investments the owners have made in The Old Thatched Cottage in recent years.

The restaurant, which specialises in steaks but also offers a variety of locally-sourced and regularly changing dishes, including some recipes that have been passed down through the generations, underwent a complete refurbishment in 2019.

External canopies, glass partitions and firepits were added, creating an atmospheric outdoor area opposite the main promenade, with views out to sea and across to another nearby local landmark, The Grand Pier.

Maria added: “The past few years have been very challenging for the hospitality industry and The Old Thatched Cottage has seen many other restaurants come and, sadly, go.

“We believe our beautiful restaurant offers a truly special experience in an historic setting – which now looks better than ever – and by continuing to invest in the building and the business, we’re confident of being able to serve the residents of Weston-super-Mare and its many visitors for generations to come.”