These Thatched Roof Villages Are Among the Most Beautiful in the World

If you think of a storybook village, there’s a good chance that vision includes cozy cottages with a thatched roof. But these charming dwellings aren’t just found in the worlds of soon-to-be princesses or daring adventurers. Travelers can discover villages around the world that still feature homes with traditional thatched roofs, which are crafted using dried vegetation such as straw, palm branches, rushes, or water reeds. These roofs are weather- and pest-resistant, provide natural insulation, and can last decades, depending on the material used. While they’ve fallen out of favor (and are even outlawed in certain areas), some villages pride themselves on keeping the style alive, relying on master thatchers to care for these unique roofs. From Japan to Chile to the Cotswolds of England, discover 14 thatched roof villages that celebrate the historic building method.