A bitter neighbourly dispute on one of England's most photographed streets is threatening the structural integrity of a 17th-century cottage, pitting preservation against profit on the iconic Hovis Hill.
Scaffolding Blockade on a Picturesque Street
Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset, famed for its cobbles, quaint cottages, and breathtaking countryside views, is at the centre of an escalating row. The street, immortalised in Sir Ridley Scott's 1973 Hovis bread advert, now sees residents clashing over urgent repair work. Harry Wade, 26, needs to carry out critical structural repairs to the crumbling rear walls of his Grade II-listed home's 1970s extension, which is in danger of collapse.
However, his plans have hit a major obstacle. His neighbour, who operates his own cottage as a £150-a-night Airbnb targeting tourists drawn to 'Hovis Hill', has refused permission for scaffolding to be erected in his back garden. This access is the only viable way to conduct the urgent work. "He's being totally unreasonable," said Harry, a chemical engineering master's student at Bath University. "If a piece of my wall falls onto one of his Airbnb guests, it could kill them."
A Modern Dilemma on a Historic Hill
The situation highlights a growing tension in Britain's most picturesque locations. Harry, who lives in the cottage with his girlfriend Sian Scannell, 29, revealed the property was bought three years ago for £690,000 by his father, a London cab driver. He expressed sadness that the working-class spirit of the famous Hovis advert has been eroded, with home ownership now out of reach for many. "Owning a home of our own in this lovely street is totally out of our grasp," he said, noting the prevalence of second homes and holiday lets on the street.
Meanwhile, the pressure to maintain these historic assets is immense. Several other cottage owners on Gold Hill have embarked on multi-million-pound renovations. A new application submitted to Dorset Council on November 25 by a South African couple for a neighbouring property proposes stripping it back to a shell and replacing doors and windows. While a conservation officer has given provisional approval, insisting on a simpler front door, some fear visible changes could alter the hill's cherished aesthetic.
Preserving the Postcard View
The street's status as a major tourist magnet means any disruption is highly visible. Three years ago, tourists complained when scaffolding marred their photo opportunities. Harry acknowledges the challenges but stresses the importance of correct upkeep. "Looking after properties in Gold Hill is a time-consuming and expensive process but if it's done right, it makes a fantastic home," he said. Despite the standoff with his neighbour, he and Sian love living there and have no desire to leave.
The council is now considering the new renovation application, with no official objections lodged yet. For Harry, however, the immediate danger remains. With his neighbour's refusal to cooperate, the deteriorating walls pose a continuous risk, leaving a slice of England's rural idyll in a precarious state.
