A derelict home at a famous landmark which featured in a TV advert has been rescued and restored.
After being left in a state of disrepair, the Grade II listed cottage located at the bottom of an iconic street has been transformed and bought back into residential use - thanks to collaborative work between the owner and Dorset Council.
The cottage is at the bottom of the picturesque Gold Hill, Shaftesbury which was made famous when it was chosen as the backdrop for a Hovis advert 50 years ago.
In the nostalgic advert - regularly voted Britain’s favourite of all time - a boy pushes his bicycle up Gold Hill to deliver a loaf of bread.
The property in question had been left unused for five years before owner Dexter Parsons sensitively renovated it with the help of the council.
This work has meant the property, built in the 17th or early 18th century, has now been removed from the council’s 'at risk' register - which recognises the history and heritage of the area.
Mr Parsons said: “This renovation has been such a challenge, like nothing I have attempted before. I’ve listened carefully to Dorset Council to get the right conservation advice about how the work should be completed.
“There’s a real community spirit in this part of Shaftesbury and it’s been a privilege to work here and rescue this building, hopefully for generations to come.’’
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “This is a great example of the Dorset Council team working together to protect part of our rich historic environment. From finding an abandoned building, to getting renovations sensitively completed, the council has provided the kick start for private investment and enabled this success story”.
It was thanks to the council’s housing standards teams that the historic property was brought back into use after they traced the previous owner.
In 2021 the property was put on the market, where it gathered national interest at an online auction, before being sold to Mr Parsons.
Cllr Jane Somper, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for people, adult social care, health and housing, said: ‘’This case highlights how the council’s housing standards teamwork in many different ways, on all sorts of properties to bring empty homes back into productive use.
"In this case a listed building has been saved and a home created. We are proud of what the new owner has achieved here for the residents and visitors of Shaftesbury.”
Anyone undertaking rebuilding work to a heritage building is encouraged to contact the council for an initial conversation.
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