Tristan da Cunha Tourism News

Thatched House Storm Repairs 2020

Photographs from Post Office & Tourism team and others

The damage to Tristan's traditional Thatched House Museum during the storm of July 2019 was mainly to the turves sealing the roof ridge. See our report on the damage for details. The roof was temporarily repaired with tarpaulin covers, and fortunately the November storm had little additional effect.

The project to rethatch the house started in January 2020 with the removal of the old thatch. Work continued piecemeal as the weather allowed. Island men started cutting New Zealand flax for the new roof in February and rethatching itself commenced on the 30th April. The job was completed during the first week of May with the laying of new turves along the roof ridge to seal the thatch.

Damaged roof patched with tarpaulins, photographed at the end of November 2019 by Peter Millington

This still from Robin Repetto's drone footage from January 2020 shows the house with the old flax removed and carted away ready for rethatching. Robin's video is available for viewing on Twitter.

Cutting New Zealand flax leaves for thatching. There are flax gardens throughout the settlement, which make good windbreaks and hedges. Tussock grass was originally used for thatching, but is no longer available on the settlement plains.

Above and below: A large flat thatching needle is used to tie overlapping bundles of flax to the rafters, starting at the eaves and working upwards to the ridge.

Nearing completion. Grass turf is laid along the ridge of the roof to seal the thatch.

The finished roof, with the flax trimmed at the eaves.

The men who took part in the project were: Eric Glass, Roger Glass, Jack Green, Joseph Green, Brian Rogers, Stanley Swain, Douglas Swain, Allan Swain, Graham Rogers, Ricky Swain, Dion Green, John Lavarello, Shane Green, Cliff Swain, Riaan Repetto, Nigel Lavarello, Ian Lavarello, Cedric Swain, Rodney Green, Jeffery Rogers, Albert Green, and Nathan Swain.

It is good to see the range of ages in this group, as it means the island's traditional thatching skills are being passed on to the younger generation.

Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Accommodation
There are no hotels on Tristan, but there are several guest houses, and you could also arrange to stay with an island family. For a unique experience, stay overnight in the Thatched House Musuem. 24-Aug-2019
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Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Thatched House Museum
The Museum is a traditional Tristan cottage newly built from volcanic rock and thatched with New Zealand flax, It was opened in 2012 and is available for overnight stays. 10-Aug-2019
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Thatched House Museum Survives the July 2019 Storm
The only building on Tristan roofed with with traditional New Zealand flax thatch survived the July 2019 storm with only minor damage. 9-Aug-2019
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The July 2019 Storm and the Post Office and Tourism Centre
Reports on damage within the Post Office and Tourism Centre, and progress with provision of alternative facilities. 3-Aug-2019
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Uncovering Tristan's Architectural Heritage
Jason Green and Natalie Swain have stripped one of Tristan's oldest stone houses back to its skeleton, revealing original features, prior to renovation. 5-Jul-2019
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New Page: Tristan da Cunha Visitors' Feedback
Feedback from visitors to Tristan da Cunha. 11-Jun-2019
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Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Cruise Ships
Details of cruise ships that regularly or occasionally visit Tristan da Cunha. 15-Apr-2019
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Special 2018 Visitor to Tristan
Gan Erez from Israel tells his own story. 23-Dec-2018
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