Iconic Hovis Commercial Cottage Restored in Historic Shaftesbury Revamp

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Nestled in the historic landscape of Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, a Grade II listed cottage has undergone a remarkable transformation. Synonymous with the iconic 1973 Hovis commercial backdrop, the 17th-century edifice has been restored to its prime, reverberating with a nostalgic charm.

The house, once adorned in the scene of “Boy On The Bike,” directed by Sir Ridley Scott, had been forsaken and desolate for a half-decade. The restoration project spearheaded by the Dorset Council, in collaboration with the new proprietor, mirrors the commitment to conserve architectural heritage for residential use.


Dorset Council’s housing standards team, experts in rejuvenating vacant dwellings, connected with the erstwhile owner, paving the way for the revitalization of the charming cottage. In a tale of spatial rebirth, the property was listed for sale in 2021 and found a benefactor in Dexter Parsons via an online auction.

Emerging from the remnants of time, the building now sports a vibrant pink hue following its extensive makeover, functioning as a cozy residence. Dexter Parsons termed the whole ordeal a test, unlike anything he’d tackled previously, relying heavily on the prime conservation counsel from the Dorset Council.

In an expression of admiration for the local camaraderie, Parsons said, “It’s an honour to have worked in Shaftesbury, with its vibrant community spirit. Rescuing this monument serves generations to come. It has been a mutually enriching experience.”

The story of the cottage renovation amplifies the power of private investment ignited by council initiatives. As Councillor David Walsh put it, finding an abandoned structure and leading it to sensitive renovations paints the perfect success story. This endeavour upholds the narrative of commitment to sustain architectural legacies that bear significant historical import while reviving a structure of local identity.

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Melinda Cochrane is a poet, teacher and fiction author. She is also the editor and publisher of The Inspired Heart, a collection of international writers. Melinda also runs a publishing company, Melinda Cochrane International books for aspiring writers, based out Montreal, Quebec. Her publication credits include: The art of poetic inquiry, (Backalong Books), a novella, Desperate Freedom, (Brian Wrixon Books Canada), and 2 collections of poetry; The Man Who Stole Father’s Boat, (Backalong Books), and She’s an Island Poet, Desperate Freedom was on the bestseller's list for one week, and The Man Who Stole Father’s Boat is one of hope and encouragement for all those living in the social welfare system. She’s been published in online magazines such as, (regular writer for) ‘Life as a Human’, and Shannon Grissom’s magazine.