THE iconic thatched roof at Stallingborough Grange Hotel has been replaced – helping to keep the traditional country craft of thatching alive.
An eight-week roof maintenance project at the venue – which will cost about £125,000 to complete – is now nearing completion.
Heather Dutton, who has been general manager at Stallingborough Grange for the last 23 years, said: "The thatching really enhances the building's appearance.
"It is always admired by our guests and they often say they find it quite a novelty staying somewhere with a thatched roof."
It is hoped that the historic charm of the hotel and restaurant, which is located on the A1173 just outside Stallingborough village, will be preserved with the continued use of thatching.
"It gives the hotel that extra sparkle," added Heather.
"It is one of the few venues in the area that provides a real old-fashioned background, particularly for weddings and the photographs that come with them," she added.
The original 18th century building – which is connected to a modern wing housing the hotel's bedrooms – was a slate-roofed country house until the current owners chose to thatch it in 1980.
The property, which underwent major renovations in 1989 to become a family-run hotel with more than 40 bedrooms, is one of few buildings in Lincolnshire to have a newly-thatched roof.
Heather added: "Although the rethatching process takes time, it has lasted many years and is worth it to give our guests that extra wow factor when they arrive.
"This type of roofing is not very common in our area, which makes it quite special.
"Keeping the tradition of thatching alive is very important because it's a craft which we need to protect for future generations to enjoy.
"It would be really nice if we could continue to maintain our roof using thatching in the future; it really is quite unique."
