A growing trend in the UK, especially amongst younger buyers or those who can’t afford the property they’d like on their own, is to get together with older generations of their family and buy a home together.

It’s not a living arrangement that’s to everyone’s taste and involves a certain degree of cooperation and flexibility, but so-called 3G, or three generation, living does work well for some families. The main property options for those considering living as a larger family group are either to buy a big home and live within it together, or opt for a property with an annexe. The annexe option is a good choice for those that don’t want to be on top of each other the entire time, as it gives a degree of privacy and space.

The Telegraph recently ran a feature on three generations under one roof, which is interesting reading for anyone keen to find out how it could work. The family in question have taken to multi-generational living so well, that they’ve set up 3Generation.org.uk, a website packed with information on how it works.

If you’re looking for a property with an annexe, then here’s a selection of properties around the UK currently up for sale.

Kent
£899,000
This house in West Malling, in Kent, would be ideal for large families wanting to explore 3G living. It’s already split into two dwellings, each with three bedrooms and reception areas, and is only three minutes’ walk from the station.

Surrey
£1,250,000
In East Horsley, Surrey, this five-bedroom house has two thirds of an acre of land, plus a useful one bedroom self-contained annexe. The annexe has been newly fitted with a luxury shower room and has French doors from the sitting room overlooking the garden.

Cornwall
£850,000
This rural property near Lanner and Redruth in Cornwall, is approached via a private driveway and boasts five bedrooms in the main house, plus a one bedroom annexe. Included in the price is nine acres of land (two fields and two paddocks) and several barns and stables.

Cumbria
£900,000
This impressive Victorian house in Rothersyke, near Egremont, has six to seven bedrooms and three reception rooms in the main part of the house, plus an annexe with a further three bedrooms. It’s packed with period features, including original fireplaces, intricate cornicing and stained glass windows.

Midlothian, Scotland
£795,000
This large detached home in Newbattle, Dalkeith, borders the South Esk river and is only eight miles from the city centre. The house has six bedrooms, five reception rooms and five bathrooms, plus a separate annexe.

South Glamorgan, Wales
£565,000
This modern, double-fronted family home in Cardiff has four bedrooms in the main part of the home and enjoys panoramic views over the countryside. The annexe has one bedroom, a 20ft lounge and kitchen. Outside, the large driveway can easily accommodate four to five cars.

Thatched cottages are the Marmite of the property world – you either love them or hate them.

For some people, it’s the quintessential, chocolate-box image that makes thatched cottages so alluring. They’re a reminder of the traditional, old-fashioned roofing methods used in the UK and the properties themselves are often quaint and tucked away in rural villages. Of course, there are new build homes that have thatched roofs too – estimates suggest there are about 5% of new homes with thatch in the UK – and thatched buildings can occur in urban areas too (Shakespeare’s re-constructed Globe Theatre in London, for example).

On the other hand, for those who hate the idea of buying a thatched cottage some of the key reasons usually cited are the maintenance of thatch, the cost of having the thatch replaced (although a well produced thatched roof made of water reed could last for up to 60 years) and the fire risk issue. Sadly there are a handful of cases each year where thatched cottages do catch fire and the roofing material doesn’t help hinder the flames, but steps can be taken to reduce the risk of fires and non-thatched homes aren’t immune to fire either.

If the idea of thatch doesn’t scare you witless, then here are a selection of some delightful-looking thatched cottages, both old and new, currently on the market.

Devon
£550,000

This four-bedroom, Grade II listed cottage at Waddon features three reception rooms, gardens with streams, a paddock and a front porch and sits off a quiet country lane.

Dorset 
£435,000
A four bedroom, two reception room thatched cottage overlooking farmland in Winterbourne Kinsgston.

 
Cambridgeshire 
£499,995
Another grade II listed cottage, this one featuring three bedrooms, inglenook fireplace, dining room and three bathrooms, and situated in the village of Ailsworth.

 
Suffolk 
£940,000
A two-year-old, five-bedroom thatched farmhouse, plus two holiday homes, at Laxfield, near Woodbridge.

 
Yorkshire 
£375,000
A three-bedroom extended thatched cottage in Harrogate.

 
Warwickshire 
£775,000
Four bedroom thatched cottage that’s looks really old, but is only just over 20 years in age, in Barnacle, near Coventry. This property is really lovely, and features exposed brickwork, brick fireplaces and a timber framed conservatory.

If you’re interested in thatched cottages, take a look at our UK property search and enter the word ‘Thatch’ into the keyword field.

What are your thoughts on thatched cottages? Dream property or nightmare scenario?