The first is a Dark Ages style house:
The thatch is simple strips of towel that I glued to the roof (foam board) and then took a glue watter mix and brushed on heavily to get the fibers slopping down. When it dries it hardens nicely and can be painted easily.
Next I finished my first real attempt at a watter feature. A small marsh.
I am extremely happy with the finished results of both pieces and have another house almost done and about a 3rd of the way done on a river system so keep an eye out for pics of both when done.
If their is any interest I can do a tutorial on both.