Hovis advert building restored by Dorset Council

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.

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.

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."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.