Hovis advert building restored by Dorset Council

The property is located along Gold Hill, which became famous after appearing in the 1973 Hovis advert

A property used in a Hovis bread advert 50 years ago has been restored to its former glory.

The Grade II listed cottage in Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, has been brought back to life for residential use.

Dorset Council worked with the new owner to restore the formerly derelict building, which was built in the 17th Century.

It previously featured in the Boy On The Bike advert, directed by Sir Ridley Scott, in 1973.

The building had been derelict for five years when the council put it online for auction in 2021

Dorset Council's housing standards team, which specialises in bringing empty homes back into use, traced the previous owner so they could work on rejuvenating the cottage.

The authority put the property on the market and in 2021 it was purchased via an online auction by current owner Dexter Parsons.

Now painted pink, the property has been renovated for residential use by owner Dexter Parsons

He 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.''

Councillor David Walsh added: "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."

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